Portsmouth City Council News

26 May 2021

Use the deep blue to turn your supply chains green

Use the deep blue to turn your supply chains green: 11-38

Many businesses are looking to reduce the carbon emissions generated by their supply chains. Coastal shipping, including short sea and feeder services, can offer significant carbon savings over conventional methods of transport - and Portico, based at Portsmouth International Port, is ideally placed to help.

Improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions are two of the most pressing issues facing businesses and industry today, with many grappling with how they can reduce their environmental impact.

A recent report conducted by port analysis specialists Port Centric Logistics and Partners (PCLP) and published by the British Ports Association (BPA) highlights the potential for modal shift - taking lorries off the roads and moving more freight by water - to help reduce congestion and carbon emissions.

The shipping industry is a small contributor to the total volume of atmospheric emissions compared to road vehicles and air transport, and atmospheric pollution from ships has reduced in the last decade. There have been significant improvements in engine efficiency and hull design, in tandem with a reduction in emissions and an increase in fuel efficiency.

In fact, in terms of CO2 emissions per tonne of cargo transported one kilometre, shipping is recognised as the most efficient form of commercial transport. 

Emissions graphic (1)

Portico is ideally placed next to the major shipping lanes for feeder and short sea container services from major European ports such as Antwerp, Hamburg and Rotterdam, and also for coastal shipping services to other UK terminals. This means your cargo ends up much closer to where it needs to go, cutting emissions and your reliance on road.

The report also identifies that this modal shift depends on good 'last mile' connections to ports. Portico has a significant advantage, with the UK motorway network heading straight to their terminal.

Steve Williams MBE, operations director at Portico said: "Our highly flexible terminal is just off the M275 in Portsmouth, with great connections to London and the Midlands. By using regional terminals such as ours, your business can cut carbon and emissions from your supply chain, and also offer much more resilience than conventional routes.

"We can handle anything from containers, project cargo and bulk cargo at Portico, so we'd advise that you get in touch with our commercial team who can find a new solution for your supply chains".

ENDS

Contact Information

Gareth Colwell
Portsmouth City Council
gareth.colwell@portsmouth-port.co.uk