The European port industry is a critical economic pillar, responsible for approximately 74% of goods traded in and out of the EU. However, these operations contribute significantly to environmental impacts, including carbon emissions, soil and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Maritime transport within the EU accounts for about 13% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Addressing these challenges is vital to achieving the ambitious goals of the European Commission (EC) under the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. These goals include reducing GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. A vital component of this vision is transforming ports into zero-emission clean energy hubs, integrating renewable energy systems, and advancing the circular economy.

The SEANERGY project, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to facilitate this transformation by incorporating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to evaluate environmental impacts throughout the project’s lifespan. LCA provides a comprehensive view of the ecological footprint associated with port operations, which is crucial for guiding European ports towards more sustainable practices. The LCA is integral to creating the SEANERGY Master Plan (MP), a strategic document that will standardise the assessment, planning, and execution of sustainable activities across the European port industry. The MP will serve as a primary reference for port stakeholders, enabling them to assess, plan, and implement actions that contribute to transforming ports into clean energy hubs.

LCA’s Role in SEANERGY

In the SEANERGY project, LCA plays a pivotal role in understanding the environmental impacts of current energy and fuel technologies used in port operations. As detailed in the project’s deliverable D1.3, “Results of demo-ports’ sustainability assessments,” the project employs a “Black-Box” LCA approach, focusing specifically on energy generation and consumption activities within three demo ports: Valencia, Syros, and Ennshafen.

Black-Box LCA Approach

Led by Zero Emissions Engineering (ZER0-E), this task uses LCA methodologies following ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 standards to evaluate the feasibility of energy and fuel technologies used in daily port operations. The approach limits the LCA analysis to energy-related activities, ensuring that resources are focused on assessing the most impactful aspects of port operations. The LCA is structured into four phases:
Goal and Scope Definition: Setting quantifiable targets, modelling specifications, and defining system boundaries.
Inventory Analysis: Collecting data and constructing flow models to calculate emissions within predefined boundaries.
Impact Assessment: Analyzing the data to assess environmental impacts using methodologies such as IPCC and ReCiPe.
Interpretation: Summarizing results, making recommendations, and identifying areas for improvement.

LCA Findings in Demo Ports

The SEANERGY project conducted LCA studies on three demo ports: Valencia (Spain), Syros (Greece), and Ennshafen (Austria). The analysis focused on the operation and maintenance stages, emphasising energy consumption, emissions from cargo handling equipment, and the environmental impact of vessel traffic.

1. Port of Valencia: The LCA highlighted the significant environmental impact of diesel-powered equipment, particularly trucks and terminal tractors, which account for many of the port’s emissions. By substituting diesel with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and increasing the use of renewable energy, Valencia Port could substantially reduce its carbon footprint. The study also suggested transitioning to electric-powered port machinery to minimise environmental impacts further
2. Syros Port: The LCA for Syros Port emphasised the environmental burden of marine diesel, primarily consumed by vessels. Strategies to mitigate these impacts include route optimisation, regular engine maintenance, and adopting greener energy sources such as hydrogen or natural gas
3. Ennshafen Port: Due to its status as an inland port, Ennshafen faced challenges in data collection for LCA. However, the study proposed a tailored approach for inland ports, which differ significantly from seaports in structure and processes

ESG Assessment of Energy and Fuels on Ports

This subtask, led by the World Maritime University (WMU), complements the LCA by evaluating the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) implications of energy and fuel technologies. The ESG assessment provides a broader understanding of how the ecological impacts identified through LCA affect social and governance aspects, essential for holistic decision-making and sustainable development in port operations.

Overall Impact of LCA in The SEANERGY Project

The integration of LCA into the SEANERGY project serves several critical functions:

• Environmental impact reduction: By analysing various phases of port operations, LCA identifies critical areas where environmental impacts can be minimised, such as adopting renewable energy sources and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Sustainable design choices: LCA supports informed decision-making by comparing different technologies and methods, facilitating the selection of materials and processes with lower environmental impacts, and contributing to more sustainable outcomes.
• Regulatory compliance and reporting: Incorporating LCA ensures that the SEANERGY project adheres to environmental regulations, providing a transparent framework for reporting and enhancing credibility and stakeholder trust.

Implementing LCA within SEANERGY is vital for advancing the sustainability of port operations. It enables stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, promotes sustainable practices, and enhances environmental stewardship, all of which are crucial for achieving the broader goal of transforming European ports into zero-emission clean energy hubs.