Environmental performance of energy consuming port activities based on a life cycle assessment

Fossil fuels are the primary energy source for logistical, energy intensive port operations, while being a major contributor to climate change, necessitating transition towards renewable and low emission energy sources. The issue is relevant given the expected growth in international maritime trade, resulting in increased port activities. This study uses life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess emission reduction potential in a Nordic container and cargo port when hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and/or electricity is used instead of fossil fuels to power transportation, cargo handling equipment (CHE) and hoteling container vessels in the port. Additionally, the impact of replacing grid electricity and natural gas with on-site solar power (complemented with wind power from the grid) and biomethane in the port area is assessed. The novelty of the study lies in its comprehensive inclusion of port activities in the Nordic context and also includes CHE fleet production. Powering transportation and CHE fleet with HVO or grid electricity reduces port climate change impact (excluding biogenic emissions) nearly 60%. On-site photovoltaics and biomethane production, complementing needed electricity with wind power, and powering transport and cargo handling with HVO and electricity can result up to 78% reduction. Electrification demonstrated lower impacts compared to HVO scenario for climate change (incl. biogenic emissions), fine PM formation and terrestrial acidification impact categories. However, HVO outperforms electrification in eutrophication due to differences in equipment production. The findings indicate that electrification and HVO use enable significant emission reductions in the port and can be complemented by on-site energy production.