Port of Dover becomes first UK port to reach net-zero
Dover's emissions have reportedly dropped by 98.3% since 2007, from nearly 14,000t.
The port claims to have achieved its net-zero emissions goal (Scope 1 and 2) at least five years ahead of other UK ports and 25 years ahead of the UK Government’s maritime target.
Its emissions numbers have been externally verified against ISO 14064 and the GHG Protocols Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.
The Short Straits (between Dover and Callais, France) account for 8% of UK maritime emissions, making Dover’s achievement a significant contribution to the nation’s maritime decarbonisation.
Actions the port has taken include:
- Operating machinery on sustainably sourced hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)
- Installing 1.5MW of onsite solar generation
- Energy efficiency improvements, such as purchasing renewable electricity and using LED lighting and heating controls
- Offsetting residual emissions through a local regenerative farming scheme approved by the UK Carbon Code of Conduct
The Port also recently achieved recertification under the EcoPorts environmental management standard (PERS) for the fourth time, which is the only port-specific environmental management classification.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather says, ‘We’re supporting industry with £448mln to develop clean fuels and technologies, support skilled jobs, cut carbon emissions and drive growth in our coastal communities.’
