Towards zero emission cruises
The Port of Barcelona seeks to minimise the environmental impact of port activities, such as cruise ship stopovers. It has, therefore, launched a series of programs and measures in order to achieve this objective in the medium and long term, such as promoting the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or both solar and wind renewable energy. A programme has also been started to change and improve the entire electrical network of the port.
Mobility with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG is an alternative, clean and ecological fuel that reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 90% and CO2 emissions by 40% without producing sulphur compounds or particles and without contaminating the soil or water in the event of a spill. At the Port of Barcelona we promote the use of this ecological fuel in ships, trucks and port equipment to achieve sustainable maritime transport in compliance with the 2020 IMO (International Maritime Organization) standard.
Valuing ecological ships
60% of the cruise ships that call at the Port of Barcelona were built after 2010 and produce up to 20% less emissions, and 10% of the ships that visit Barcelona already work with LNG. To increase these figures and achieve our objectives, in addition to promoting sustainability in the industry, we offer a whole series of discounts to ecological boats when they make use of the port area and its equipment.
Reduction of emissions
Cruise activity in the Port of Barcelona has a lower incidence of pollution in the city, but contributes 1.2% of NOx (nitrogen oxides) and 0.23% of particulate matter in the air. The Port is, therefore, committed to reducing these emissions as much as possible in the long term. Other measures that have been underway for some time focus on recycling and the sustainable use of water in infrastructures.
Climate action
Since 2018, the Port of Barcelona has been part of the World Ports Climate Action Programme (World Ports Action Programme against Climate Change) where we have joined forces with other leading ports to fight climate change by improving and developing mechanisms to reduce CO2 emissions from maritime transport. The Port of Barcelona is also working to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations into its business strategy.
The Port of Barcelona officially opens its first OPS system at the Hutchison Ports BEST terminal
