MiAMBIENTE recognises Panama Canal’s efforts to decarbonise its operations

In the event called ‘First delivery of recognitions of Reduce Your Footprint (RTH) Corporate – Carbon and the Declaration of the 50 First of the National Emissions Registry’ , the leadership of the waterway in the management of the carbon footprint in the year 2021.

The event highlighted the interest of 56 public, private and civil society organisations in managing their carbon footprint, reducing their impact on society and the environment, increasing their operational efficiency and reducing costs, while documenting their contribution to the fight against climate change.

The delivery of these awards was chaired by the Minister of the Environment, Milciades Concepción, and was attended by representatives of the organisations that were part of the Corporate RTH Program – Carbon for the year 2021, the first of a state and voluntary nature for the management of the footprint of carbon at the organisational level in Panama.

Commitments acquired

On 22 April 2021, the Panama Canal signed the Declaration of ‘The First 50 Carbon-Neutral Organizations’, aimed at integrating efforts to accelerate climate actions with a view to achieving carbon neutrality in the year 2050, although the organisation has set the goal of achieving it before the end of this decade.

As part of this commitment, it also developed an annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, as well as an action plan with measurable targets to reduce its emissions.

The efforts of the Canal will be taken into account as part of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in compliance with the Paris Agreement.

The goal of decarbonisation

On 26 April 2021, the Canal announced the beginning of the decarbonisation process of its operations, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, since, although it contributes to reducing around 16 million tpy of CO2, By offering a shorter route for ships compared to the most likely alternative paths, the waterway recognises the importance of making its own operation carbon neutral by the end of the decade.

As part of its strategic decarbonisation plan, the Canal has started a pilot plan to replace its vehicle fleet by acquiring electric cars. In addition, the strategy includes the acquisition of hybrid tugboats, boats that use alternative fuels, the process of producing clean energy, through the use of renewable sources, and ensuring that all facilities and infrastructure projects are environmentally responsible and sustainable.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/04052022/miambiente-recognises-panama-canals-efforts-to-decarbonise-its-operations/