JOHOR BARU: Port operators across Malaysia should step up their decarbonisation efforts to meet international environmental standards and remain competitive in the global maritime industry, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said other port operators should follow the example set by the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), which is transitioning from diesel-powered prime movers to electric ones to reduce carbon emissions.
“Other port operators also need to take similar steps as they have to comply with environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements and decarbonisation goals.
“This is important for private companies because failure to comply with ESG requirements could affect their competitiveness.
“I believe other port operators will also follow suit,” he said in a press conference after the launch of PTP’s electric prime movers fleet yesterday.
Loke cited PTP’s transition from diesel-powered prime movers to electric prime movers as an example of efforts to reduce emissions at port operations level.
He said such initiatives were important not only to improve the environmental responsibility of ports but also to ensure compliance with ESG requirements, which are increasingly important to international companies.
Loke said the move towards greener port operations was also important for Malaysia to fulfil its international commitments under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.
“First of all, this is our obligation to the international community under the IMO requirement. We have to achieve net-zero by 2050. So, we have a runway of about 24 years.
“At the same time, this is also important as it is a new opportunity for us because if the shipping industry moves towards alternative energy, then we have the opportunity to supply those new energy,” he said.
He said shipping companies worldwide were exploring alternative fuels, including methanol, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia, as part of efforts to reduce emissions.
“This presents a new opportunity for Malaysia because as the shipping industry moves towards alternative energy sources, we have the opportunity to supply these fuels.
“We want to position our ports as green bunkering hubs,” he said, adding the Transport Ministry and the Australian government are also working together to develop a regulatory roadmap for green bunkering.
He said new regulations, standard operating procedures or SOP and safety protocols would be needed to support the transition. Meanwhile, at the event, Loke said PTP’s introduction of 52 electric prime movers marked an important step towards greener port operations.
“PTP has grown at a remarkable pace. It was the first container terminal in Malaysia to pass 14 million twenty-foot equivalent units in a single year and has been recognised as the world’s fastest-growing port.
“But growth that leaves a heavier carbon footprint is not growth that Malaysia, or the world, will reward for long,” he said, adding that business expansion and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand.
