The Port of Dover announced three climate targets for Net Zero on 3 May. Its first aim is to be carbon net-zero by 2025 in the scope of direct emissions from operations and indirect emissions from purchased energy.
The second step is to become carbon net-zero by 2030 regarding all other emissions associated with its activities. And the third aim is to evolve into the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor.
Handling £144 billion of trade, the Port of Dover provides almost 60% of all ferry journeys between the UK and Europe that carry around one-third of all HGVs using major UK seaports.
”Dover is located at a critical intersection where global trade routes meet the primary gateway between the UK and its main trading partner, the EU,” said Port of Dover Chief Executive Doug Bannister. „Having the fastest transit times and the most frequent services situated next to the world’s busiest shipping lane, we already lead the way in how much activity takes place here. We can and must, therefore, also lead the way by delivering a profound improvement in the overall carbon footprint of UK supply chains, which we can do much faster because of our geographic advantage.”
The targets will be pursued through a combination of activities; for example, the sourcing of alternative fuels, utilisation of renewable energy sources, port electrification, offsetting and minimising carbon emissions in procurement and development projects, and through partnership working with stakeholders.