With a global presence, DP World is on a mission to lead by example. Tiemen Meester, Group Chief Operating Officer for Ports & Terminals at DP World, has told WorldCargo News that it is on a mission to decarbonise supply chains and electrify port infrastructure. Ahead of a feature interview in the September edition of the magazine, Tiemen Meester spoke with our digital news service about the organisation’s ambitions.
“Electrifying port operations is one of the most immediate and practical ways we can decarbonise supply chains,” says Tiemen Meester, ahead of his feature interview with our monthly magazine (September issue, out this week).“Ports are emissions-intensive spaces, and by replacing diesel-powered equipment with electric alternatives, such as cranes, terminal tractors, and straddle carriers, and switching to renewable energy sources, we can cut direct emissions dramatically. DP World is investing in clean power infrastructure across the world, including on-site solar and green electricity procurement.”
Opportunities and challenges in decarbonisation
DP World is a founding member of the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), which is driving the industry-wide adoption of battery-electric container handling equipment, among other goals. “The alliance works with OEMs, operators, and policymakers to reduce costs, standardise specifications, and fast-track pilot programmes,” Meester says. “Overall, electrification is not only key to helping our customers reduce their Scope 3 emissions but also to making our ports cleaner, more resilient, and ready for the future.”
DP World is experiencing growth in South-South and North-South trade routes. This is reflected in the trade volumes handled by DP World, and Tiemen Meester wants to make a positive impact in those communities in which the company invests. “That means investing not just in infrastructure and assets, such as electrified equipment, but also in capabilities, such as upskilling our local employees on digital tools. We see different opportunities and challenges in our decarbonisation journey, whether it’s access to clean electricity or working in line with local requirements and regulations.”
Faster, smarter and more sustainable
Working with local partners is a key strategy. “For instance, our Berbera Port is powered by 8MW of solar via the Berbera Electric Company,” says Meester, who goes on to give other examples. “Our investment strategy in emerging markets such as Senegal, Ecuador, and Indonesia is to embed sustainability and digitalisation in our ports and terminals from day one. We know that these are the two most significant drivers to enabling future-proofed trade and unlocking long-lasting economic growth.”
Meester explains DP World’s proprietary operating system, Zodiac, which allows the analysis of port operations in real time and automates decision-making accordingly. “It connects our terminal ecosystem to enable faster, smarter and more sustainable supply chain decisions, lifting productivity at some of our terminals, such as Jebel Ali, the port of Luanda and ATI Batangas,” he says. “We also have our Actual Emissions Tracker, which provides customers with emissions data for their container transport’s entire voyage, providing them with a better understanding and ability to manage their actual emissions.”
Passing on the benefits and the magazine
Electrification is not just about carbon reduction. There are collateral benefits, and they are not always immediately apparent on the quayside. “Electric equipment is quieter, more efficient, and often cheaper to run over time,” Meester says. “At Southampton, the switch to HVO and electric straddle carriers has cut emissions and improved uptime. For shipping lines, Southampton is either the first or last port on most European service rotations with minimal deviation from the main shipping lanes.”
That collateral benefit is often felt far distant from the port. “The operational speed of the port allows vessels to leave Southampton early, and travel to their next destination at a lower steaming speed, leading to fuel, CO2e and ETS savings,” explains Meester. “We’ve seen lower maintenance needs and better energy tracking. It also makes our terminals more attractive to customers who are also keen to decarbonise their supply chains. The drive for electrification and decarbonisation must be coupled with operational and commercial benefits. This will help us to engage industry stakeholders quickly so that we can reach our environmental targets.”
Tiemen Meester goes into greater detail in the September edition of WorldCargo News, published this week to subscribers.