In 2019, HAROPA Le Havre (HLH) launched a shore power strategy, prioritising cruise ships, whose terminal is located close to the city.
The schedule for completion was during 2022/2023.
For river traffic, the aim is to deploy a network of 78 new terminals allowing distribution of electricity and water to river boats (in addition to the 13 HLH terminals already in use) along the Seine axis.
When it comes to alternative fuels, among those being targeted are LNG; compressed natural gas (CNG) – a now mature and widespread solution for land-based mobility; and hydrogen (H2), a fuel of the future but which is at a much less advanced stage of development.
To contribute to the de-carbonisation of maritime and river transport activities, HLH is partnering with the World Port Climate Action Plan and joining the Getting to Zero Coalition.
The latter aims to reduce shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050. To achieve this, the coalition members are committed to help with the commissioning of zero-emission vessels and fuels by 2030.
The strategic objectives set for the period 2020-2025 are: 50 mW of photovoltaic electricity generation in 2025; reducing consumption by 15% by 2025 and 40% by 2040; deployment of solutions to supply docked vessels with OPS and other alternative energy modes for the cruise terminal and, in particular, certain ro-ro terminals or container activities; 100% of port equipment using alternative fuels or electricity by 2040; increased supply of alternative fuels to ships; sharing best practices; and becoming a positive-energy port in 2040.
In 2008, as part of the World Port Climate Conference, HLH was one of the six founding ports behind the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), which rewards shipowners who use ships with the least impact on air quality.
It remains a member of the international working group on the ESI’s development, which aims to recruit new ports to use the index, and to increase the number of vessels signed up to the ESI – currently more than 8,000 ships, or 10% of the world’s commercial fleet.
