Overview

Maritime transport is an essential component of international trade, as it plays a crucial role in the global economy and the competitiveness of countries. Like all human activities, this sector produces environmental impacts such as effects on marine ecosystems and, in addition, emissions of gases and particulate matter. These gases are the product of fossil fuel consumption used in maritime and land transport and contribute to global warming and climate change, among other effects.

Climate change is mainly due to the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere, which are primarily responsible for global warming and its negative effects on the environment and society. At the same time, maritime transport is vulnerable to the effects of climate change and international geopolitics, among others. The carbon footprint is an indicator of the amount of gases emitted as a result of any human activity. Knowing the footprint is important because:

• It allows identifying the main sources of emissions and setting goals and measures for their reduction.
• It allows evaluating alternatives to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
• It offers environmental, economic, and social benefits and opportunities, such as improving air quality and reputation, cost reduction, innovation, competitiveness, social responsibility, or compliance with international regulations and commitments.

The objective of the course is to train people who can contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint of maritime transport and, in this way, to the mitigation of climate change, within the scope of the Nexus project: Green and Digital Transition funded by PRP (Recovery and Resilience of Portugal).

Learning outcomes

• Understand the concept of carbon footprint: Students will be able to define the carbon footprint and understand its importance in the context of maritime ports.
• Identify sources of carbon emissions: Students will be able to identify the main sources of carbon emissions in maritime ports and their environmental impacts.
• Measure the carbon footprint: Students will learn to use tools and methodologies to measure and calculate the carbon footprint in maritime ports.
• Analyze reduction strategies: Students will be able to analyze and evaluate different strategies to reduce the carbon footprint in maritime ports, including clean technologies and sustainable practices.
• Develop action plans: Students will be able to develop action plans for reducing the carbon footprint in maritime ports, including the implementation of environmental management practices.
• Promote environmental awareness: Students will be able to promote environmental awareness and the importance of reducing the carbon footprint within the port community and society in general.

Content

Module 1: Introduction to Carbon Footprint and the Nexus Agenda

• Basic concepts: Climate change, greenhouse gases, carbon footprint.
• The Nexus Agenda: Interrelationship between water, energy, and food in the port context.
• Importance of carbon footprint in the maritime sector: Environmental and economic impacts.

Module 2: Environmental Legislation and Policies

• International regulatory framework: IMO, International Conventions.
• National and regional legislation: Specific regulations for ports.
• Public policies and funding: European funds, tax incentives.

Module 3: Calculating the Carbon Footprint in Ports

• Calculation methodologies: International standards (GHG Protocol, ISO 14064), specific tools for ports.
• Identification of emission sources: Ships, land operations, energy consumption, etc.
• Emission factors: How to determine emissions associated with each source.
• Software tools: Software and platforms for calculating the carbon footprint.

Module 4: Monitoring Environmental Variables

• Main environmental indicators: Besides CO2, other greenhouse gases and pollutants.
• Monitoring systems: Measurement stations, remote sensors, data platforms.
• Data management: Collection, storage, and analysis of environmental information.

Module 5: Reducing the Carbon Footprint in Ports

• Mitigation strategies: Energy efficiency, renewable energies, alternative fuels, electrification.
• Innovative technologies: Zero-emission ships, smart infrastructure, digitalization.
• Best practices: Success stories of sustainable ports.

Module 6: Action Plans and Communication

• Designing action plans: Setting objectives, identifying measures, allocating resources.
• Communication and dissemination: Sustainability reports, citizen participation, stakeholder engagement.
• Environmental certifications: ISO 14001, Blue Angel, etc.