From: Shenzhen Daily | Updated:2024-09-22
Hutchison Ports YANTIAN and the Port of Long Beach, along with key partners, signed a landmark memorandum of cooperation Sept. 22 to drive the development of a green maritime economy across the Pacific Rim.
The collaboration focuses on deploying advanced technologies to reduce emissions, accelerate decarbonization, and enhance energy efficiency. It also aims to foster technical exchanges and share best practices among the participating ports and their partners.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Shenzhen, Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of YANTIAN, emphasized the importance of global partnerships. “The shipping industry is fundamental to global trade, and aligning efforts with key partners is essential to achieving shared sustainability goals,” said Shum. “Through this memorandum, we are committed to knowledge sharing, technical exchanges, and project cooperation, positioning ourselves as pioneers in the green maritime economy around the Pacific Rim.”
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero highlighted the need to address shipborne emissions through partnerships. “This agreement provides the opportunity to make shipping fleets cleaner, sooner. The technologies and practices developed will not only benefit our ports but extend their positive impact globally,” said Cordero.
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal also praised the agreement, stating, “The Port of Long Beach is proud to join this collective effort to promote sustainability and foster a greener economy while protecting public health. International collaboration is vital to decarbonizing global shipping in the coming decades.”
Shenzhen Port Group Chairman Hu Zhaoyang outlined future initiatives, including the adoption of green fuels like methanol and the development of zero-carbon roll-on/roll-off terminals. He stressed the need for better communication between the two ports to boost cargo transportation efficiency and establish green shipping corridors. “These initiatives will be key in achieving global carbon reduction goals and deepening economic ties between China and the U.S.,” Hu said.
Hutchison Ports YANTIAN, one of the world’s largest container terminals, handles a significant share of Guangdong’s import and export containers, including a quarter of China’s exports to the U.S. The terminal is known for its environmentally friendly operations, including the use of shore power, electric cranes, LNG-driven tractors, and rail-sea intermodal routes. Over the past decade, YANTIAN has reduced its carbon emissions per container by 33% and has been named “Best Green Container Terminal” four times in the last six years.
“At YANTIAN, environmental stewardship and sustainable development are central to our mission,” Shum concluded. “We are committed to leading the way in creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.”