APM Terminals Barcelona strengthens its environmental commitment in the ‘Go Green’ event

As part of its energy transition process, it’s acquiring 4 electric vehicles and solar panels for charging

The terminal will stop emitting, annually, 1.07 tonnes of CO2

APM Terminals Barcelona is celebrating the annual ‘Go Green’ event during the week of 23-27 September, which aims to raise awareness among the entire port community about respecting and protecting the environment. During these days, talks, workshops and activities will be held at its facilities.

This is the fourth year that APM Terminals Barcelona has joined the ‘Go Green’ campaign and it’s celebrating with the acquisition of 4 electric vehicles and the installation of solar panels for their power supply. Igor Van Den Essen, Head of Terminals Europe at APM Terminals, and Mercé Conesa, President of the Port of Barcelona, are actively participating in the ‘Go Green’ events, supporting the energy transition project initiated by APM Terminals Barcelona.

Narcís Pavón, General Manager of APM Terminals Barcelona, notes: “The zero atmospheric emissions of vehicles acquired by APM Terminals Barcelona will contribute positively to the terminal’s environmental footprint; it is estimated that APM Terminals Barcelona will stop emitting, annually, 1.07 tonnes of CO2”.” He adds, "We are strongly committed to having the smallest possible impact on the environment, and actions like ‘Go Green' have been raising awareness among everyone that makes up our team."  Additionally, APM Terminals is inaugurating the infrastructure required to promote the use of electric cars, providing charging stations for zero-emissions cars in its parking area.

Igor Van Den Essen, Head of Terminals Europe at APM Terminals, praises the work carried out by the Barcelona terminal: “The energy transition project initiated by APM Terminals Barcelona sets an example for the rest of the terminals at the European level. The goal is to continue being leaders in the sector, offering optimal service to our clients without negatively affecting the environment.”  

Mercé Conesa, President of the Port of Barcelona, declares: “At the Port of Barcelona, we are aware of the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our operations as well as the need to contribute to reducing the use of carbon in maritime transport. We are therefore working to facilitate the generation of renewable energy in our facilities and in the progressive electrification of the docks in order to be able to connect ships to the network, thus eliminating the carbon footprint during stopovers at our port." She adds, “The main international port operators’ ‘Go Green’ initiative is absolutely key to raising awareness about respecting the environment among the port communities."

As part of the ‘Go Green’ project, not only have electric vehicles, solar panels and charging stations been put into operation, but actions related to raising awareness and promoting sustainable mobility are also being carried out. Participants have the opportunity to try out electric vehicles on a track set up specifically for the occasion and also have a chance to find out about the impact that their individual commutes have on the environment. These activities facilitate personal reflection on how to individually contribute to protecting the environment. 

In accordance with its strong commitment to minimizing the environmental impact generated by its operations, throughout 2018 APM Terminals Barcelona implemented various measures for maximizing energy efficiency. Since October 2018, 100% of the Barcelona terminal's electricity consumption comes from renewable energy. In addition, the electrical panels of the refrigerated units were upgraded in order to maximize the input of active power while minimizing that of reactive power, ultimately leading to greater efficiency in electricity consumption. 

The energy improvement plan also took into account replacing the traditional air conditioning units in Barcelona's technical equipment with new ones that perform better with lower consumption; in addition, LED lighting was implemented in order to optimize electricity consumption and reduce waste generation. Other environmental initiatives included improving the terminal's wastewater treatment system – which involved changing it completely – and expanding the bicycle parking area in order to facilitate bicycle access for employees.