Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has laid out plans for zero-emission deep sea services by sailing at 10 knots (instead of the average of 16 – 19 knots) by 2040.
Additional energy would be created using renewable and alternative energy sources such as wind, sun and wave power.
Global head of environment Melanie Moore said the next step would be to begin discussions with customers as they will be “the driver in this type of change”.
As running speeds would be slower, Moore said other things within the supply chain would need to be adjusted and WWL would have to “work with customers so they can change their dynamics”.
According to a study carried out by the company, one customer had 40 per cent passive lead time, meaning containers were stood still for almost half the journey rather than in transit.
Elsewhere, WWL is set to develop an ocean cargo terminal powered by sun and wind, which uses no conventional power or fossil fuels.
The Castor Green Terminal and vehicle processing centre will be designed to handle products such as automotive, agricultural, construction and other rolling equipment and will offer services for receiving and delivery, cargo handling, storage, loading and discharging.
Erik Nyheim, COO of terminal and inland services at WWL said: “We want to extend our zero emission ambition from ocean activities to port and land-based activities.”
Wind turbines will provide the prime source of power, along with solar photovoltaic roof panels. The terminal will also be self sufficient for all its water and energy will be further minimised by using wind for cooling and sunlight for heating and light.
