White Papers

WP#1 Reduction of the CO2 Footprints of Container Terminals by Photovoltaics

This paper is focused on defining alternative on-site generation of electrical energy from renewable resources. Due to the ease of installation, the photovoltaic systems can be seen as one of the most accessible alternative. The focus is on four main questions: feasibility, how much energy can we produce, the amortization and costs and potential risks. In order to have a clear depiction of the locations where the PV could be installed, a model of an actual container terminal has been designed. As for the CO2 reduction a range has been set between 1010t in a pessimistic case and the maximal end of this range is 1428t. The initial investments and their amortization, the author has set the return on investment around 12.8 years without considering the maintenance factor. As a final conclusion, the author states that PV technology is suitable to a container terminal due to the ease of installation as well as its maintenance free policy. Link to Paper

WP#2 LED Technology for Container Terminal

In a fast moving world that has reduced exponentially its resources; the topic of renewable energy becomes one of the most controversial areas of research. This addresses mainly the wish of shifting conventional energy users towards renewable or alternative energy. The LED technology offers up to a factor of 5 better energy efficiency compared to conventional lights and it also makes sense from a short time span of ROI. LED, Light Emitting Diode is a technology which converts electricity into light but not through gas or wire heating, therefore increasing the efficiency of the process. Jacobs University was one of the first German universities to implement LED technology within its buildings. The big consumers of electricity are the high mast lamps. In order to determine a potential annual saving a configuration of a real container terminal had to be simulated in order to create a reference point. The calculations showed that with a fixed initial investment of 800.000 € the amortization could be done in maximum 12 years. Link to Paper

WP#2a LED Technology for CT Riesa - Estimate of Saving Potential compared to HPS

For lighting of rooms and larger buildings, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are the most energy efficient lighting method, as detailed in WP#02. This paper is aiming to investigate the feasibility and the saving potential of LEDs for container terminals and other outdoor illumination. The paper uses the light design data for the container terminal planned in Riesa (using HPS luminaires) to estimate the saving potential if the HPS luminaires are replaced with LED luminaires. The results show that LED lighting for container terminal yards is feasible, and the energy needed is reduced by about 50% compared to HPS lighting. Link to Paper

WP#3 Status Quo of Use of Hydrogen as Fuel in Port, Shipping and Transport Industry

The paper starts with a brief introduction of the current status of fuel usage within the container terminals. Most of the heavy-duty engines are powered by diesel fuel while vessels are in general run by HFO (heavy fuel oil). Because it is generally accepted that these means of powering the machines is damaging the environment, the research industry has started recently to focus on designing new alternative energy producers. The main advantages of hydrogen in energy production are its high energy density as well as its unlimited availability. After describing the advantages brought by this technology, the author also mentions that due to the highly flammable substances there is an imperious need of installing highly capable ventilation systems in order to eliminate a possible disaster. Link to Paper

WP#4 Combined Heat and Power Cogeneration for Container Terminals

This paper analyses the cogeneration also known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP). Cogeneration is mainly based on the first law of thermodynamics, namely the conservation of energy. Fuel cell cogeneration has also been assessed as a very efficient technology to convert fuel directly into electrical power through electrochemical processes. Because of no intermediate steps required for the fuel to be transformed in the final product, the fuel efficiency is enhanced with about 65% fuel to electric efficiency. Cogeneration technologies have been promoted up to this point mostly for large petrochemical, chemical or other sites that produce a high amount of heat during their daily activity. The cogeneration technology has also been implemented for container terminals, supplying electricity as well as the grid of the port. The environmental impact can be reduced with up to 40% as compared to a conventional energy producer. Due to the higher efficiency, reliability and fuel availability the gas turbines and the fuel cogeneration are now an attractive option for the container terminals. The electricity produced can be used by the terminal while the excess requirement can be supplied by the grid. Link to Paper

WP#5 Terminal Lighting by LED and LEP

Lightning is considered as one of the significant resources needed for a container terminal to operate. Due to the fierce competitions ports have started to seek methods of improving their consumption. The LED technology offers up to a factor of 5 better energy efficiency compared to conventional lights and it also makes sense from a short time span of ROI. LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a technology which converts electricity into light but not through gas or wire heating, therefore increasing the efficiency of the process. After a brief technical presentation of the LED concept the authors focus on the advantages and disadvantages of this technology according to each of the three areas of usage, mentioned above. LEP (Light emitting plasma) lamps are electrode-less lamps energized by radio frequency power. Typically these lamps use a noble gas or a mixture of these gases plus an addition of sodium, mercury or sulfur. The LED and LEP are very similar technologies the only difference being the fact that LEP has and order of magnitude higher lumen density. Therefore LEP has better performances in illuminating bigger areas. Link to Paper

WP#6 Geothermal Energy and Heat for Ports and Terminals

Approximately 40% of the total energy consumption in Germany can be associated to the field of climate control, ventilation and illumination within buildings. Due to the rising costs and general shortage of fossil fuels governments and industries are looking for alternatives. This document gives an overview on the concept of geothermal energy use and shows possible opportunities to use this technology within port terminals. It was concluded by the author that when comparing the technical characteristics of geothermal systems, the environmental impact of geothermal energy usage is surpassed in energy efficiency just by water power. Link to Paper

WP#7 Biomass in ports and on terminals

Awareness of the environment, the wish to save resources and to reduce the carbon footprint as well as the ongoing debate of how to become greener and more sustainable, biomass as a natural product and facilitates to treat it rapidly becomes an issue that needs to be discussed by decision makers in ports and terminals. This paper is designed to propose solutions on how to autonomously produce heat, fuel or electricity, and presents possibilities to reduce the carbon footprint of European Ports by using biomass. This includes the actual collecting and using of biomass in order to be self-sufficient. It also introduces the idea of using the outcome of a contractor on the premises who produces i.e. power or heat that can eventually be used by the port. Link to Paper

WP#8 Cool roofs and cool pavements for the reefer container yard

Cool roofs and cool pavements are positive developments to mitigate the heat island effect in urban areas. White roofs reflect considerably more sunlight than dark roofs which results in lower ambient temperatures under a white “cool” roof. In this white paper, the principle of the technology is explained. Furthermore, different types as well as suitable materials are presented, and some of the benefits are elaborated. For example, other benefits from cool roofs that have been identified in this paper are: reduced energy use, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, improved human health and comfort as well as extended roof lifetime. For the cool pavement technology the following benefits have been identified: Improvements in water quality, noise reduction, safety as well as nighttime illumination. For the GreenEfforts idea, it is interesting to take these two technologies into consideration for use on a container terminal. Therefore, an application scheme is added to this white paper. During his research, the author has found a practical example: The Japanese Port of Hakata has installed a cool roof. Link to Paper

WP#09 Energy Management System for a Container Terminal

An Energy Management System (EnMS) is a tool that systematically records the energy flow and serves to improve energy efficiency. The EnMS takes into account all the organizational resources needed for the implementation of energy saving actions and initiatives. It supports the organization to develop its energy policy, strategy, objectives and targets, plan accordingly actions, implement and monitor the performance related to pre- defined targets.This white paper aims to assist a Container Terminal to implement an Energy Management System (EnMS) in accordance with ISO 50001, which also may serve as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and reporting according to GHG Protocol, respectively ISO 14064-1 and CEN EN 16258.The EnMS is based on the PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT (PDCA) model for continuous improvement. It provides the processes and systems needed to incorporate prudent energy management as part of an organizational strategy for improved energy performance. Link to Paper

WP#10 Wind Energy in Ports and on Terminals

Many ports have easy access to the resource wind since they are located where most of the wind occurs: in coastal locations. They can take advantage of these coastal locations by using existing or future port infrastructure for the wind generation equipment. Wind energy is defined as the energy that is obtained from kinetic energy of the wind that moves across the earths’ surface. Wind then is converted into usable electrical energy in the wind turbine. The energy of motion (kinetic energy) of the air flow is an indirect form of solar energy and thus belongs to renewable energies. It is now almost exclusively utilized by wind turbines. For terminals, the installation of a wind turbine does not seem easily approachable due to the lack of space and free real estate. Ports, however, have more space at their disposal. Link to Paper

WP#11 Biogas in Ports and on Terminal

Biogas is a valuable source of energy and can be used simultaneously both for the production of electricity as well as for producing heat. In most cases, so-called cogeneration plants are used, which work on the physical principle of combined heat and power. Many of European countries have well established facilities to produce biogas and fertilizer from agricultural, municipal and commercial organic wastes. So, the technology is well known. The question is whether a port can stem the challenge of taking the responsibility itself. This paper is examining the feasibility as well as pros & cons of the use or production of biogas in ports and on terminal. Link to Paper

WP#12 Particulate Matter Emission on Terminals and in Ports

Particulate matter (PM) are defined as being ‘material suspended in the air in the form of minute solid particles or liquid droplets, especially when considered as an atmospheric pollutant.’ On terminals, PM contribute to air pollution. On a terminal, various handling equipment emit particles by driving, braking and accelerating. This paper focuses on the particulate matter originating from tire abrasion, brake abrasion and asphalt abrasion because these emissions cannot be filtered out easily like emissions from diesel engines. The paper also presents measures that can be taken to minimize particulate matter on terminals. The positive impact of a transition to electrical propulsion is reiterated. Link to Paper

WP#13 Electrical Energy storage in the Context of Container Terminals

In order to utilize the full potential of the on-site generation of electrical energy from renewable energy resources, the storage of the electrical energy is needed, due to the volatile nature of most renewable energy sources (in particular PV and wind energy generation). The paper presents three main types of electrical energy storage technologies, namely rechargeable batteries, ultracapacitors and mechanical storage, and innovations/approaches potentially relevant for container terminal operations. The optimum choice for the storage technology will depend sensitively on the concrete systems and dynamic business environment for batteries. Link to Paper