The Port of Brisbane has once again achieved a 5-star GRESB global sustainability assessment rating, while over in the UK a group of international ports is collaborating in the launch of a Maritime Data Cluster aimed at accelerating the green smart port revolution.
Early last year we wrote on ‘Cleaning up Global Cargo Shipping’ and ‘Signs that Global Shipping is Going Green.’ Shipping accounts for 90% of global trade, to the tune of 4 trillion dollars annually. It is also responsible for 3% of global emissions (in Europe the transport sector – which includes shipping – contributes to a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions).
For the third year running, Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) has received a 5star GRESB rating – a globally recognised assessment that evaluates Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and sustainability ‘best practices’ for real estate and infrastructure funds, companies and assets worldwide.
Based on data for the FY21 financial year, PBPL’s overall score increased to 94/100 (up from 89/100 in 2019/20), ranking it as the second port out of seven in its division.
PBPL CEO, Neil Stephens, said the Port was proud of the outcome which reflected the progress it is making to deliver on its ambitious Sustainability Program. “This ranking and global recognition continues to give us confidence that we have a strong strategy for the Port of Brisbane. A strategy that will enable the business to respond in a responsible, balanced and sustainable way, delivering positive outcomes for our business, our customers and stakeholders, and the broader community,” he said.
Maritime data cluster launched to drive green smart port revolution.
In related news, a group of international ports is collaborating through the UK’s 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub (’the Hub’) to launch a Maritime Data Cluster aimed at accelerating the green smart port revolution.
The cluster, the first of its kind, aims to facilitate sharing of non-commercial data between ports to achieve collective, workable solutions for the industry in areas such as health and safety, clean energy, decarbonization, cyber security, and asset management.
The collaboration builds on the themes of the recent Maritime Innovation Week hosted by the Hub, including the importance of digital skills, innovation and collaboration to drive net-zero agenda as well as sharing insights and know-how. The Hub has created a strategic partnership with the National Innovation Centre for Data to develop the cluster and provide guidance on elements including GDPR, data platforms, data security, and methods of sharing.
Cooperation on digital data can bring numerous benefits for ports including increased efficiencies, revenues, sustainability, and competitiveness.
The Inevitable Switch to Green Shipping.
Eighteen months ago, Australia joined the Global Ocean Alliance, a 39-country strong initiative calling for at least 30% of the world’s oceans to be designated as marine protected areas (MPAs) by 2030. The Australian Government has pledged over $67.4 million to protect Australia’s ocean and marine ecosystems including $14.8 million to tackle the impacts of ghost nets and plastic litter, and $28.3 million to enhance management of the Australian Marine Parks.
Colless Young supports the commitment of Ports and Containership Operators to protect the environment going forward.
For information on all aspects of shipping, contact us here at Colless Young. As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, we handle your transport needs professionally, both import and export. We are based in Brisbane and offer a complete range of logistics services, by airfreight and sea cargo, through all Australian ports and airports.
