WMD 2024: We’ve created innovative tool to measure, monitor emissions from all port related activities–Dantsoho

 

Maureen Aguta

 

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has said that the theme of this year’s edition of the World Maritime Day celebration,, “Navigating the Future, Safety First,” offers a guiding principle on how “we must steer the future of maritime operations.”

To this end, he said that Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has developed a ‘Port Emissions Inventory,’ which according to him, will be a comprehensive tool to measure and monitor emissions from all port-related activities, including vessels at berth, cargo-handling equipment, and port service vehicles.

Dantsoho who was represented at the 2024 World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos by the Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Engr. Abba Umar, disclosed that the emissions inventory will allow the Authority  to have a clear and precise understanding of the sources of GHG emissions at all the nation’s seaports.

He said, “By quantifying these emissions, we will be able to develop targeted strategies for reducing them, track our progress, and ensure compliance with both national and international environmental standards.”

According to him, this inventory represents a proactive step in addressing the environmental impacts of port operations while enhancing transparency and accountability in our environmental management practices.

He further disclosed that in line with international maritime conventions, the NPA has taken steps to enhance existing “Port Reception Facilities,” saying these facilities are critical for the safe disposal of waste generated by ships, including oil residues, sewage, and other hazardous materials, ensuring that maritime operations do not pollute the marine environment.

His words: “Ensuring that these facilities are readily available, adequately maintained, and efficiently managed is crucial for reducing the risk of marine pollution. Additionally, we are working to expand and modernize these facilities to accommodate the growing volume of maritime traffic and the evolving regulatory requirements aimed at environmental protection.

“To align with our overarching goals of safety and sustainability, we are also focused on modernizing and optimising port operations. The adoption of ‘smart port technologies’ is a key element of our strategy. By digitalizing port operations and improving data management, we will enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays, and minimize the environmental impact of congested or inefficient port activities,” he said.

Speaking further, Dantsoho expressed the commitment of NPA to working with shipping companies to promote the practice of “slow steaming” (the reduction of vessel speeds) which has been shown to significantly reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions. This, combined with the broader adoption of clean energy solutions, will help lower the environmental impact of maritime traffic and ensure safer and more sustainable port operations, he stated.

The NPA MD further emphasized that addressing environmental and safety challenges in the maritime sector are not the responsibility of one entity alone, saying it requires the collaboration of all stakeholders, from shipping lines and port operators to government agencies, private sector and the general public.

The NPA, according to him is committed to taking the lead in navigating the future with safety and sustainability as the guiding lights. “However, I call on all of you to join us in these efforts. By working together, we can build a maritime industry that ensures both the safety of our people and the protection of our environment.

“Let us take the necessary steps today, in line with the theme “Navigating the Future, Safety First,” to ensure that Nigeria’s ports and maritime operations continue to thrive in a sustainable and secure manner, for the benefit of future generations,” Dantsoho stated.

One of the high points of the event was presentation of awards, prizes and scholarships to secondary school students who excelled in the essay competition sponsored by the Nigerian Ports Authority.