Shipping accounts for around 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2023, the International Maritime Organisation published a GHG reduction strategy aiming for the international shipping sector to reach net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050.
The Cruise Lines International Association has committed to sustainability by having almost 80 per cent of its member fleet ready to connect to onshore power by 2028, among other eco-friendly measures to meet net-zero emissions by 2050.
Before the introduction of shore power, when a vessel was docked, its auxiliary engines would keep running to provide electricity for the vessel while emitting air pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates, threatening the health of people living or working near the port area.
Using electricity provided by shore power can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 30 per cent and nitrogen oxides and particulates by 95 per cent. Officials are aware of the economic benefits of green ports, including for tourism, cargo logistics and health costs.
In early 2022, port authorities and governments worldwide, joined by the European Investment Bank, signed a declaration at the One Ocean Summit, where they agreed to install shore-side electricity supply by 2028 for cruise and container vessels.
In Asia, onshore power for cruise ships has been available at several mainland ports, such as Shanghai, Shenzhen and Sanya. The Chinese government revised the Marine Environmental Protection Law to mandate that shipping companies and port operators install and utilise shore power, effective January 2024.
The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal had two plant rooms reserved for onshore power systems that could supply electricity for a maximum of three Panamax-class cruise ships simultaneously. However, the authorities do not seem to have had the foresight to install such systems to make us competitive with neighbouring ports.
The Green Earth and Clean Air Network found that there was a 43 per cent rise in nitrogen dioxide, an air pollutant, at Kai Tak Terminal when an onshore-power-capable vessel, Piano Land, was docked in August. Such a problem could have been avoided.
The authorities must speed up the installation of shore power for cruise and container terminals in stages to prevent Hong Kong from lagging too far behind other ports.
If the city implements eco-friendly measures for our port, including low-carbon fuel bunkering, onshore power, water reclamation and waste management, I’m confident that Hong Kong will become a popular green port.
Edwin Lau Che-feng, executive director,
The Green Earth