Environmental responsibility – the upturn in traffic increased carbon dioxide emissions

As traffic picked up after the years of the pandemic, absolute carbon dioxide emissions in the port area also increased from the previous year. Nevertheless, efforts to reduce emissions are proceeding according to plan.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant of the greenhouse gases produced by humans. Its production has not yet been eliminated in international logistics, although greener innovations in sectors such as maritime transport are being introduced at an increasing pace.

Together with its partners, the Port of Helsinki wants to be part of the solutions that push the Finnish business sector and maritime industry towards carbon-neutral transport and sea travel.

The Port of Helsinki’s most significant environmental objectives are described in the Carbon-Neutral Port of Helsinki manifesto. In 2022, the Port set an even tighter timetable for its carbon neutrality goals, and at the end of the year the goals were:

  • To reduce emissions from vessels by 25% by 2030.
  • To reduce emissions from heavy traffic by 60% by 2035.
  • To reduce emissions from the machinery in the port areas by 60% by 2035.
  • To become carbon-neutral in terms of its own emissions by 2025.

Carbon dioxide emissions in the Port of Helsinki’s port areas consist of ship and machinery emissions, rubber-wheeled traffic emissions and emissions from the port company’s own operations. Vessel traffic plays clearly the most significant role.

Vessel emissions in the closed port area and water areas administrated by the Port of Helsinki are included in the port area emissions. Entering the port, being at berth, manoeuvring and leaving the port are all included. As regards land traffic, emissions generated in the closed port area are included.

By emission category, the absolute carbon dioxide emissions were as follows:

  • Vessel emissions 63,400 tonnes (+ 23% from 2021) The upturn in traffic increased carbon dioxide emissions, and vessels have been using more conventional fuels instead of LNG to some extent.
  • Machinery emissions 7,800 tonnes (+ 0%) Port operators’ electric container cranes were included in the calculation.
  • Rubber-wheeled traffic emissions 6,400 tonnes (+ 1%).
  • Emissions from the Port’s own operations were 1,500 tonnes (- 15%). The amount of emissions decreased as heat consumption decreased. Electricity consumption increased, but electricity was acquired from carbon-free electricity sources. The heating costs of the dual ramps at Vuosaari Harbour were included in the calculations and retroactively recorded for a period of three years. The calculations also included electricity consumption from the premises rented by the Port of Helsinki.

In 2022, the total amount of emissions in the port areas was 79,100 CO2 tonnes (2021: 67,600). The amount of emissions increased by 11,600 tonnes and 17% from the previous year.

Machinery and rubber-wheeled traffic

With its operations, the Port of Helsinki also promotes low-emission land traffic solutions. The electrification of machinery and vehicles plays an important role in this, along with the related development of the operating environment.

Emissions from lorries, trucks and trailers in the port area amounted to 6,400 tonnes (2021: 6,300), meaning that emissions increased by approximately 100 tonnes as traffic increased.

  • Emissions from machinery operating in the station area amounted to 7,800 tonnes (2021: 7,800), meaning that emissions decreased by 6 tonnes. Port operators’ electric container cranes were included in the calculation, and they use more carbon-free electricity than before.