PSA, MPET, and ATS Join Forces for Port Cleanup

22 september 2023 - As part of their ongoing environmental commitment, PSA Antwerp, MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET), and Antwerp Terminal Services (ATS) are actively participating in the Port Cleanup initiative at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The clean-up campaigns are part of Go Green Week, an annual initiative of PSA Group. From September 18th to September 26th, multiple teams of dedicated employees will be on a mission to clear litter from no fewer than five locations, including Park Spoor Noord, the Galgeschoor nature reserve, and the verge of Sint-Antoniusweg. Cameron Thorpe, CEO of PSA Belgium, proudly emphasizes, "We want to set an example here too." 

Park Spoor Noord, nature reserve het Galgeschoor, the verge of Sint-Antoniusweg, the green zone at PSA Breakbulk and the two canopies and transverse quay at PSA Zeebrugge: these are the locations that PSA, MPET and ATS are taking care of as part of the Port Cleanup.

Cameron Thorpe, CEO of PSA Belgium, states, "This initiative falls within the broader scope of our sustainability and a commitment to a cleaner environment around us. We aim to uphold our role as sustainability champions, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to a more sustainable future. This dedication is evident in both smaller actions,such astoday's cleanup, and larger endeavorslike reducing our residual waste and greenhouse gas emissions. One day I hope we won’t need to do this, as people learn to dispose of rubbish responsibly and correctly.”

Johan Van Daele, CEO of MPET, adds, "Enthusiasm among MPET employees to participate in this initiative is palpable. On September 18th, we took charge of the verge of Sint-Antoniusweg. Sustainability is at the core of our company, from participating in events like this to adopting electric straddle carriers."

But what are PSA, MPET, and ATS doing in the broader context of sustainability?

Targeting 50% Reduction in Residual Waste

Although the waste streams at these terminal operators are relatively limited, they've set ambitious targets. Cameron Thorpe explains, "Our goals include achieving a 50% reduction in residual waste compared to 2016, giving e-waste a second life, and reaching 'Zero Waste to Landfill.' However, our most significant efforts are concentrated on reducing CO2 emissions, where the greatest impact can be made."

Halving Carbon Emissions

In alignment with the UN Paris Climate Agreement, the EU Green Deal and the PSA Group's ambitions, PSA Belgium, MPET, and ATS have committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019, with the ultimate goal of emitting zero greenhouse gases by 2050. CEO Cameron Thorpe affirms their determination to meet these targets.

To attain these goals, a multitude of actions are currently underway. Notably, the 'Green Straddle Carrier' Programme spearheaded by PSA, MPET, and ATS involves comprehensive testing of key technologies to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of straddle carriers, often referred to as 'elephants,' in their real operating environments.

For instance, there are now ten hybrid straddle carriers in operation at the MPET terminal and five at the North Sea Terminal. Additionally, PSA Antwerp, ATS, and MPET achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the world's first hydrogen dual-fuel straddle carrier. This innovation is set to replace up to 70% of diesel consumption with hydrogen and is currently operational at PSA's North Sea Terminal. Furthermore, an entirely electrically powered straddle carrier is currently in use at MPET.

Francis De Ruytter, Regional Manager Sustainability for PSA Europe, Mediterranean, and Americas, underscoresthe significance of the Green Straddle Carrier programme, stating, "Container lifts account for 90% of our direct emissions in Belgium. Consequently, our primary focus is on reducing emissions from straddle carriers. However, our commitment to greater sustainability extends beyond this."

Project Emerald

Sustainability is also at the core of Project Emerald, a collaborative endeavor between PSA and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges aimed at the revitalization of the Europa Terminal. This project will create an efficient and sustainable terminal capable of accommodating the most modern mega-ships while contributing to the transition to a climate-neutral port. PSA's investment in excess of 500 million euros includes new electricity-powered equipment, such as electric automatic stacking cranes (ASCs) and quay cranes, which will achieve a greater than 50% reduction in the carbon footprint.