Largest port creating most emissions ‘comes as no surprise’

A study by European NGO Transport & Environment found that vessel handling and shipping traffic to and from Rotterdam produced 13.7m tonnes of CO2 annually, more than any other European port.

“With nearly 30,000 sea-going vessels per year, Rotterdam is by far the largest port in Europe and logically also has the highest shipping-related CO2 emissions. This conclusion by Transport & Environment comes as no surprise to the Port Authority,” it said in a press release.

The port said the shipping industry needed to take significant steps to limit climate change and that it was facilitating the use of alternative fuels where possible, despite complex hurdles. The Port Authority is building shore power installations and using battery power for inland shipping vessels as part of its ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050, it said.

“We have big ambitions. The Porthos project involves CO2 capture and storage. The use of green hydrogen in industry and the production of biofuels are in full swing. Many companies are committed to minimising emissions and even to emission-free terminals,” the Port Authority said.

Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority: "We realise that the port of Rotterdam, being the largest port, has the highest emissions of European seaports. We are aware that we can and must make an impact in the port of Rotterdam and be able to make a substantial contribution to the established climate targets. It goes without saying that we feel responsible and assume responsibility."

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