PERS Environmental Report 2017

Transcription

1 PERS Environmental Report 2017 Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG for the Emden Branch Unsere Häfen. Ihre Zukunft.

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3 Forword Dear readers, Environmental protection and sustainability are gaining importance in all economic sectors. For Niedersachsen Ports, responsible corporate orientation goes without saying, which is actively professed through the hafen+ initiative. Hafen+ represents sustainable added value, which is generated and continually developed for optimum port operation, the environment, society and our staff. We believe that economic success, environmental compatibility and social responsibility can complement each other and do not have to rule each other out. We are committed to the sustainable development of our port and see this as an opportunity for the continued future success of our port. The following report illustrates the success achieved so far regarding conservation and climate protection, as well as creating a healthy, social working environment at our port in Emden. Furthermore, it also provides an insight into the measures carried out with regard to sustainability in order to live up to our convictions. In the short-term, we intend to expand our strategies for sustainability and to introduce systematic management of sustainability at all of our ports, for their further sustainable development. We hope you enjoy reading this report and look forward to your wishes and suggestions. We look forward to presenting the second environmental report by Niedersachsen Ports, in the context of the PERS environmental certification of our Emden seaport. Our quest commenced with the successful certification of our Wilhelmshaven port in October Further ports should follow soon. Holger Banik General Manager Volker Weiß Port Manager, Emden Werner Repenning Leader Strategic Corporate Development Dr. Matthäus Wuczkowski Sustainability Consultant 3

4 Table of Contents List of Tables...5 List of Figures...5 List of Abbreviations Profile of Emden Seaport Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Seaport Emden, Niedersachsen Ports Description of port elements and infrastructure Environmental policies of Niedersachsen Ports Organisation of environmental management Environmental protection measures Climate protection and air pollutants Supporting the shipping industry Reduction of direct emissions Waste Water maintenance Compensation areas Social Work Environment Balancing Job and Family Training and Continuing Education Cooperation, Partnerships, Networks Prospects Contact information Annex: Selected Best Practice Examples

5 List of Tables Table 1: Facts & Figures Seaport Emden Table 2: Port areas and transhipment goods Table 3: Environmental port fee reductions Table 4: Fuel mix Niedersachsen Ports Emden List of Figures Figure 1: Locations of Niedersachsen Ports... 7 Figure 2: Structure of Niedersachsen Ports... 8 Figure 3: Transhipment at Seaport Emden Figure 4: Overview of the port areas in the inner port Figure 5: Organisation of the environmental managemen Figure 6: Lighting is a significant source of emissions at the port Figure 7: Use of geothermics Figure 8: Development of MARPOL shipping waste at Seaport Emden Figure 9: Structured waste recycling at Seaport Emden Figure 10: Maintenance of nautical depth via recirculation (fluid mud) Figure 11: Compensation areas and conservation areas Figure 12: The population of lapwing and marsh marigold are seeing positive development in the compensation areas Figure 13: Pied avocet chicks Figure 14: Connected compensation areas at Wybelsumer Polder Figure 15: Training at Niedersachsen Ports

6 List of Abbreviations CO₂ ESI ESPO IAPH IMO ISO ISPS LAT LED LNG MARPOL NN NOx OPS PERS SECA SOx tdw WPCI Carbon Dioxide Environmental Ship Index European Sea Ports Organization International Association of Ports and Harbors International Maritime Organization International Organization for Standardization International Ship and Port Facility Security Code lowest astronomical tide light-emitting diode (lamp) Liquefied Natural Gas Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships Sea level Nitrogen oxide Onshore Power Supply Port Environmental Review System Sulphur Emission Control Area Sulphur oxide tons deadweight all told (total weight-carrying capacity of a cargo vessel) World Ports Climate Initiative 6

7 1 Profile of Emden Seaport 1.1 Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG With the management and operation of 15 port locations (five seaports, seven island supply ports and three regional ports at the German North Sea Coast), amounting to a total surface area of ha, Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG is one of the largest public port infrastructure operators in Germany. Founded in 2005, the Oldenburg based company has approximately 700 employees. A total of 26 kilometres of quay wall and 79 kilometres of rail network are managed. The transhipment volume amounts to approximately 28 million tonnes annually, as well as a passenger volume of over 9 million people. Niedersachsen Ports is responsible for the operation of port infrastructure, planning, development and maintenance of port facilities and areas, as well as the marketing of commercial and industrial properties in the aforementioned ports. Particular focus is place on the establishment of port-related companies, as well as traffic management, port security and provision of port services for port economy. The five largest seaports in Brake, Cuxhaven, Emden, Stade and Wilhelmshaven are managed via on-site branches. The seven island supply ports are managed via the Norden branch. Niedersachsen Ports is the port infrastructure company of the state of Lower Saxony and is 100% state-owned (see Figure 2). German Bay Wangerooge Spiekeroog Norderney Baltrum Langeoog Cuxhaven Bensersiel Hooksiel Fedderwardersiel Stade Eemshaven Norden/ Norddeich Wilhelmshaven Bremerhaven Nordenham Hamburg Emden Großensiel Groningen Leer Brake Seaport Papenburg Oldenburg Bremen Regional or Island Supply Port Headquaters Figure 1: Locations of Niedersachsen Ports 7

8 1.2 Seaport Emden, Niedersachsen Ports 100% State of Niedersachsen Niedersächsiche Hafengesellschaft mbh Limited Partner 100% Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Shareholder Meeting Shareholder Meeting Management Supervisory Board Figure 2: Structure of Niedersachsen Ports Situated at the Ems estuary, the universal port in Emden is the most westerly seaport in Germany. The Emden waterway has a depth of 8.12 m LAT (after the deepening of the outer Ems 9.12 m LAT). Depending on the tide - the port has a tidal range of approximately 3.20 m - Seaport Emden can accommodate ships with a draught of approximately m (soon m). The port comprises an outer harbour, which is open to the tide and a tide-free inner harbour, accessible via the Large Sea Lock (Große Seeschleuse) and the Nesserlander Lock (Nesserlander Schleuse), which in turn is subdivided into the inner port and the new inner port. Port Emden is also known for its function in the transhipment of vehicles, liquid and solid bulk materials, forestry products and components for wind power stations (see Table 1 and Figure 3). Table 1: Facts & Figures Seaport Emden 2016 Transshipment 2016 Top goods Passengers Port area Extension area Rail network Quay wall length with transshipment options Employees 6.1 million tonnes Automotive, forestry products, offshore /onshore wind power stations, liquid chalk, building materials 1.1 million passengers ha (thereof 963 ha land area and 201 ha water area) 606 ha 23.8 km 5.5 km trainees 8

9 Cargo handling by goods 9 % 10 % 10 % 17 % Emden features very good hinterland connections, including connections to the federal motorway network, rail connection - twin-track, fully electrified, with the highest German rail load class - as well as connection to the German and Dutch inland waterway network. In ad- 35 % 13 % dition, the Emden airport provides connections via aeroplane and helicopter - for example to offshore wind 6 % parks. To date, Seaport Emden has developed into a successful location of industry and commerce with approximately 9400 direct and indirect port-related employees in forest products chalk approximately 70 port-related companies. building materias chemical commodities motor vehicles wind power plants other goods* * cereals and animal feed, vegetable oils and fats, iron and steel, sulfur, salt, bulk and general cargo, other goods Figure 3: Transhipment at Seaport Emden

10 1.3 Description of port elements and infrastructure Seaport Emden comprises the historical inner port, outer harbour and newer port extensions in the area in front of the Larrelter Polder. The inner port is divided into numerous port areas, which can be seen in Figure 4. Most areas are owned by Niedersachsen Ports. Among others, exceptions include areas on the western part of the Emden waterways, the site of Nordseewerke Emden GmbH, as well as the southern area of the industry port. A considerable part of the areas owned by Niedersachsen Ports is provided for use by third parties in the form of inheritable building right or leases. Stichkanal Borssumer Hafen Emder Fahrwasser Industriehafen Ölhafen Kfz-und Logistikterminal Kleinschiffsliegeplätze Binnenschiffsbecken Nordkai Jarßumer Hafen Südkai Figure 4: Overview of the port areas in the inner port 10

11 The table below provides information regarding the port areas of Seaport Emden, which are managed by Niedersachsen Ports and describes the main transhipment goods. Transhipment occurs both in the inland and outer ports. In the existing port, there are only smaller compensations or port extension areas, that do not considerably affect transhipment. No transhipment occurs on the compensation or port extension areas (outside of the existing port). Table 2: Port areas and transhipment goods Mainly transhipment goods Inner port Port area Water depth in m (LAT) Automotive Mineral oil products Building materials Liquid chalk & silt Wind energy stations Project cargo Fertilizer Loose bulk goods Chloride Break bulk cargo Metals Plant oils & bio diesel Forestry products Grain & animal feed Hazardous materials Emder Fahrwasser 4 7 X X Stichkanal 7 X X X X Borsummer Hafen 5 X X X Industriehafen 5 9 X X X Ölhafen X X X X Kfz- und Logistikterminal 10.6 X Binnenschiffsbecken X X X Nordkai X X X X Jarßumer Hafen 5 X X X X Südkai 11.9 X X X X X X Kleinschiffsliegeplätze 4 Außenhafen X X X Stromkaje 9.1 X X X X Outer port Larrelter Polder Wybelsumer Polder Rysumer Nacken 11

12 2 Environmental policies of Niedersachsen Ports With their sustainability strategy, the European Union charts a clear and unmistakable environmental policy course. There are directives packages and standards, e.g. for increasing the energy efficiency or for the reduction of emissions, which outline a definite scope of action, which must be followed. In order to meet these requirements and to support the global implementation of goals, Niedersachsen Ports has derived their own environmental goals from the EU s four environmental policy focal points below: Climate Protection Nature and Biological Diversity Environment and Health Natural Resources and Waste The environmental goals and their active implementation occurs within the company s own realm of influence throughout every corporate area. For Niedersachsen Ports sustainability means harmonizing ecological, economic and social interests. During the course of this environmental report, the company s own environmental goals will be discussed in detail. The below Policy Statement is meant as a first orientation in this context: POLICY STATEMENT We, Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & CO. KG (NPorts), commit to avoiding damage to the environment and to act in any and all areas of the company with the principle of sustainability in mind. 1. Efficient utilization of our local advantages, such as the great and congestion-free hinterland connection 2. Introduction of environmental controlling to gain information, so that we can continually improve the environmental protection and increase the energy efficiency 3. Dedication to the development of innovative and environmentally friendly solutions in the maritime navigation industry, with a focus on saving resources and energy, and by reducing emissions 4. Avoidance of wastes and practicing conscientious handling of generated wastes, which is governed by our ships waste management plan 5. Informing about and adhering to the latest and most relevant environmental laws and standards and taking steps to achieve such compliance and putting an emphasis on making the protection of nature a key indicator for the operation of the port infrastructure and its development 6. Ensuring a high security standard through Port Offices, which are manned 24/7, and through alarm and emergency plans, in order to minimize the risk of an incident and its potential consequences for the environment, but also to ensure safe port operation; proper maintenance of the port facilities for the same, aforementioned reasons As a port operator, Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG s primary focus is on the management of the port infrastructure, and on the management of planning and development. We actively pursue the expansion and maintenance of the quay facilities and the traffic routes of the seaport through focused investments. In order to minimize the burden on the environment and to improve the quality of the environment, we take the following steps: 7. Publication of an environmental report, in order to transparently document the long term progress and developments of the ports with the help of designated defined performance indicators, and the continuous updating of this report and the information contained therein 8. Expansion and solidification of the network with cooperating partners, such as JadeWeserPort Realisierungs GmbH & Co. KG and bremenports GmbH & Co. KG 12

13 9. Ensuring the availability of necessary resources to implement this policy In addition, Niedersachsen Ports is committed to the implementation and further development of the environmental strategy, which was developed in collaboration with JadeWeserPort Rea-lisierungs GmbH & Co. KG (JWPR), and which has the below mentioned environmental goals, focusing on emissions reduction and the management of green spaces Business area Goal Implementation Operation of the Port infrastructure Reduction of CO₂ emissions ESI, prep work for LNG, Onshore Power Supply (OPS), vehicle fleet, IT solutions, energy-efficient retrofitting Planning and Development Planning and operation of new and existing infrastructure facilities, while keeping ecological aspects in mind Avoidance and reduction of traffic routes, efficient utilization of the infrastructure Planning and Development Management of green spaces Long-term planning of coherence and compensation measures Cooperation Collaboration with stakeholders of the port economy for environmental protection Consideration of ecological aspects during the cooperation with partners Marketing Environmental protection inside and outside of the company Communicating the environmental protection measures with internal and external stakeholders in the form of environmental reports, brochures, and employee training Finance Environmental controlling Generating in and output balance sheets to obtain information for better environmental protection One of the aspects of the certification is to investigate the ecological effects of the different port areas and to reduce the environmental impact through environmental management and thus obtain a measuring basis for reaching the environmental goals. Here, the identification of substantial environmental aspects is a key step to identify the impact on the environment and to formulate environmental goals and solutions. Of utmost importance at the location Emden are the following environmental aspects, which are included as an integral part of the port s environmental strategy: Emission of Airborne Pollutants Water Emission and Water Quality Waste Management Soil Contamination Effects on Environments and Biotopes Noise Emission 13

14 3 Organisation of environmental management Environmental issues are coordinated by the strategic corporate development department of Niedersachsen Ports. Regular exchange between the strategic corporate development department, the branch managers and the general management ensures that measures for environmental protection are assessed and initiated. The organisational chart below illustrates the main organisational structures. Close cooperation at an expert level and the strategic corporate development department between the relevant departments ensures the measures are implemented at an operational level. Supervisory Board Management Strategic Corporate Development Technology Sustainability Consultant Branch Manager Real Estate Technology Technical Services Port Office Personal & Administration Figure 5: Organisation of the environmental management In order to implement measures, assess environmental targets and comply with legal regulations a management system (PERS, Port Environmental Review System) was introduced. Together with the relevant specialist of the concerned department, the strategic corporate development department is responsible for surveying and carrying out inspections. Depending on the complexity of the task, external staff may also be consulted for inspections, in order to ensure that current standards are taken into account and that continuous improvement occurs. In order to ensure compliance with regulations, different inspection cycles are regularly performed in the company. The different measures for inspection and improvement are explained in more detail in the following: Monthly The environmental policy, strategies and planned measures are agreed with the branch manager in Emden, as well as with the management of Niedersachsen Ports and compliance with these is checked. For this, monthly meetings occur in order to monitor compliance with targets and implementation of the planned measures. This increases the quality of monitoring and motivates employees to achieve the announced targets. Need-based meetings Several times throughout the year and when necessary, specialised discussions occur with the responsible employees. These workgroups are organised by the strategic corporate development department. These meeting enable implemented environmental measures to be assessed and new measures to be initiated. Within the scope of these regular meetings, compliance of the measures with regulations is continuously checked. In order to reinforce sustainable company orientation, a new position was created in 2016 Sustainability Consultant. The sustainability consultant is part of the strategic corporate development department and on behalf of Niedersachsen Ports, supports company-wide, sustainable port development. A company-wide, sustainability management system is currently being developed. 14

15 4 Environmental protection measures In the following section, the individual environmental protection measures are described via examples, that have already been implemented at Seaport Emden or are currently in the process of being implemented or are planned. 4.1 Climate protection and air pollutants Various protagonists are directly responsible for the air emissions at the port. This includes port operators like Niedersachsen Port, the shipping industry (e.g. ship owners), as well as port companies. Therefore, Niedersachsen Ports has no direct influence on some of the emissions occurring at the port. This includes, for example, emissions from ships, that call at the port and are not owned by the port operator or emissions from hinterland traffic. Seaport Emden not only endeavours to reduce emissions directly attributed to the port, but sets incentives to also reduce indirect emissions (emissions from shipping companies or port companies). For example, shipping companies are supported in their efforts to reduce ship emissions. In the following section, the measures taken by the port to reduce greenhouse gasses and air pollutants are explained. Here, measures to support the shipping industry and measures to reduce direct emissions caused by Niedersachsen Ports are differentiated Supporting the shipping industry In comparison to the corresponding transport on land, shipping is a low-co₂ transport carrier - the emissions are much lower per tonne kilometre. However, the emissions from marine engines are a burden to the environment, as ships mainly run on heavy fuel oil, which contains significantly more sulphur oxide and other pollutants (e.g. heavy metals, nitrogen oxide, particles) than in fuels used on land. The policy aims to lower environmental burdens caused by shipping traffic, in order to reduce greenhouse gasses and to prevent over-acidification of the soil and water. On 01 January 2012, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) restricted the permissible sulphur content of bunker materials to 3.5 %. From 01 January 2020, the threshold value will be reduced to 0.5 %. Even stricter threshold values were established for a few areas that are particularly in need of protection, so-called Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs). These include the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the English Channel, large areas of the North American coast and since 01 January 2013 the Caribbean. Further areas will most probably follow. In these areas, a maximum permissible sulphur content of 0.1 % applies since 01 January From 2021 threshold values for nitrogen oxide will follow. Environmental Ship Index (ESI) In order to improve the environmental performance evaluation, new initiatives on climate protection and to keep the sea clean are necessary, since the level of exhaust emissions from the combustion of heavy fuel oils is still too high. Niedersachsen Ports is a member of the World Port Climate Initiative (WPCI) and since 01 January 2014 grants an ESI discount for particularly low-emission ships. Upon application of the ship, the ESI certificate is issued by the World Port Climate Initiative (WPCI). The index provides information on the environmental performance of ships concerning air polluting emissions (NOx and SOx) and CO₂. Ports and other nautical service providers around the world can use the index as a basis to grant reductions on port fees and to encourage sustainable shipping. The aim of the discounts is to honour ship owners efforts to employ particularly environmentally technology and the use of clean fuels. The index serves as a basis to grant reductions on port fees. 15

16 The ESI establishes which ships have better emission values than the guidelines set by the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) for nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide. The rating (ESI points) is determined by the established values (see Table 4). LNG will be achieved in our ports. The requirements for this are constantly improving, as further LNG vessels are being built. As a result, the chances are increasing for the successful and economical operation of a LNG infrastructure. Table 3: Environmental port fee reductions ESI Score Reduction of port fees % % 50 and more 10% Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) In the context of creating more environmentally friendly shipping, LNG plays an important role. With LNG the emission of nitrogen oxide in comparison to diesel can be reduced by almost 90 % and carbon dioxide by up to 20 %. Emissions from sulphur dioxide and fine particles are almost completely omitted in the use of LNG, furthermore reducing engine wear and thus decreasing operating costs. Niedersachsen Ports is extremely interested in building an infrastructure for liquefied natural gas and supports the establishment of LNG bunkering stations at the ports. If necessary, Niedersachsen Ports will provide suitable areas, as well as advise and support investors regarding the required authorisation process for LNG infrastructures. We met the legal requirements for ports early on for the operation and bunkering of vessels running on LNG in our port. In 2015, Emden and Cuxhaven were the first ports in Germany to become home to LNG operated vessels owned by the shipping companies AG Ems and Cassen Eils. For example, together with the port authorities, shipping companies, fire brigade and other necessary institutions, all port-side requirements were achieved in a short period of time, so that MS Ostfriesland in Emden and MS Helgoland in Cuxhaven could be deployed for regular service. Currently, bunkering for these LNG vessels still occurs via tanker. However, this is a temporary solution. In the medium term, we believe that an infrastructure with In support of gas-operated shipping, Niedersachsen Ports is participating in the innovative network LNG Initiative North-West, coordinated by Leer-based company, MARIKO GmbH. The LNG Initiative North- West aims to support maritime companies to transition to gas-operated shipping. For this, the comprehensive knowledge of the partners and experts is combined and further developed. Furthermore, Niedersachsen Ports is a member of the national LNG initiative Maritime LNG Platform based in Hamburg and Berlin. The cooperation aims to support the use of LNG for shipping and to expand the port-side infrastructure required in German ports. Onshore Power Supply (OPS) Through supplying the on-board power supply with onshore power, air pollutant and noise emissions can be prevented and emissions of carbon dioxide can be reduced. For this, connections and transformers should be installed at the quay and on board, that supply power at the voltage and frequency of the ship s onshore power supply. For vessels using low voltage power, onshore power supply is already provided at Seaport Emden. In a planned project, onshore power supply via renewable energy sources will be explored, so that larger vessels can also be supplied with environmentally friendly onshore power. 16

17 4.1.2 Reduction of direct emissions In order to reduce greenhouse gasses and air pollution caused directly by Niedersachsen Ports, two principle strategies are available. On the one hand, the improvement of energy efficiency, on the other hand the support of renewable energies at the port. In Emden, measures in both areas are being pursued. A small number of central multifunction printer and copying systems are used, that are primarily situated in their own rooms. This is energy efficient and prevents dust emissions in the working areas. The branch in Emden has changed their printer settings to print double-sided, in black and white. This has shown a great saving potential both for paper consumption and actual printing costs. Efficiency measures The most environmentally friendly energy is energy that is not consumed. As a result, we are doing everything possible to continually decrease energy consumption at the port. In order to optimise energy efficiency, we are implementing various efforts. In addition, a lower amount of printing is expected in the future, since significantly more correspondence will be processed and sent via electronic means in the course of digitalisation. In the future, Niedersachsen Ports will also explore the possibilities regarding digital delivery and archiving more intensely. Record of energy consumption - energy monitoring system In the scope of the energy audit in accordance with DIN EN , which was carried out by Seaport Emden in 2015, the energy consumption of the port was systematically recorded. Here, energy sources were analysed on the one hand and energy consumers were identified (equipment, buildings, systems, etc.) on the other hand. The aim was to describe energy consumption, to identify energy efficiency potential and to develop concrete measures. Based on this analysis, at Niedersachsen Ports an energy monitoring system is currently being developed, that enables energy consumption to be transparent and supports its recording throughout the year. It shall primarily serve for energy controlling and management purposes, in order to discover and improve energy saving potential. Green IT In our IT, particular importance is placed on sustainability. When procuring all of our IT components, energy efficiency and compliance with high environmental standards play important roles. Especially with regard to high-energy-consuming servers, it was possible to reduce the quantity and scope of hardware through the use of virtualisation technology, with which energy consumption could be significantly decreased. Mobility Niedersachsen Ports provides company vehicles for car sharing. Vehicles are available for all employees and can be reserved online. This increases the utilisation of individual vehicles. In addition, company vehicles are mainly fitted with start-stop technology, helping to use less fuel. For mobility at Seaport Emden, numerous company bicycles are provided, which are available for all employees. In order to make the employee s journey to work even more environmentally friendly, Seaport Emden supports employee schemes such as ride your bike to work or city-cycling cycling for a better climate. In terms of a new management instruction, currently the company s own fleet of vehicles are gradually being switched to environmentally friendly vehicles for example, natural gas (CNG) driven vehicles and electric vehicles. At the branch in Emden procurement of alternative company vehicles is currently being checked. In particular, electric vehicles shall be used for inner-city emission-free driving. Port lighting Lighting of port facilities shall be gradually switched to LED technology. On the one hand, LED technology offers a considerably longer life than sodium highpressure lightbulbs; on the other hand, LED lights require less energy, so that here too the power require- 17

18 ments are reduced through the use of the simplest resources. For Niedersachsen Ports, another argument for the use of LEDs was the high recycling quota of the lightbulbs. Since they do not contain harmful substances, such as mercury or lead, their disposal is simple. Currently, the construction of a sustainable lighting system is being planned for a track field in Emden, which is being used for shunting trains and unloading wagons. In addition to the consequent use of LEDs, intelligent control will also be used, enabling certain lighting modes for different situations. The system should be installed in For some time, the hydraulic pumps, which move the gates of the Large Sea Lock, have been operated via a throttled engine power. This results in the reduction of wear, since the period of use for the pumps and engines is halved. In addition, such operation leads to a reduction in the use of energy and CO2 Emissions. The heating systems in Emden shall also be critically inspected with regard to optimisation potential and gradually improved. In this respect, an energy survey has been completed. In the next step, significant measures will be deduced and gradually implemented, so that here too there can be a contribution to reducing costs and protecting the environment. Renewable energy Support for renewable energy is continually becoming more important at Niedersachsen Ports in order to permanently reduce CO2 emission from power consumption. There are various examples for this at the port. Use of green energy Figure 6: Lighting is a significant source of emissions at the port At Seaport Emden, it is also planned to gradually switch interior lighting for office rooms and commercial halls to LED technology. In order for all of the branches to work together towards sustainable port lighting that is fit for the future, a company-wide specialised group was formed in This comprises lighting experts from all NPorts harbours, who meet regularly. Facility Optimization The Emden branch operates various types of facilities throughout the whole port grounds. For example, this includes heating systems or lock pumps. These are therefore important with regard to energy efficiency. Since , Seaport Emden operates using approximately 97.7% green energy, which originates from regenerative energy sources (see Table 5). Through the use of such power, we can in comparison to fuel mix in Germany achieve a reduction of 508g of CO2 per kwh. We also provide this power from the sun, wind and water for companies at the port. Table 4: Fuel mix Niedersachsen Ports Emden Energy source mix NPorts Emden Germany mix Nuclear energy 0.3% 16.8% Natural gas 0.1% 6.7% Coal 0.6% 45.5% Other fossil fuel sources 0.1% 3.1% Renewable energy, required according 37.7% 24.6% to EEG 1 Other renewable energy sources 61.2% 3.3% 100% 100% 18

19 Use of geothermics Power from solar energy The new port operation control centre, constructed in 2013, is heated via geothermal heating. For this, four boreholes were made and ground probes with return flow were inserted into these. Heating in winter and cooling in summer are both ensured via the probes. In the winter, a water mixture is pumped through the probes into the ground. The fluid is heated by geothermal energy and is then transported to the surface up to the heat pump. There, warmth is extracted from the approximately 10 C warm fluid. A compressor compacts arising steam, thus increasing the temperature, which is stored and transferred to the heating system. In summer, the approximately 10 C warm fluid from the ground is pumped directly to the radiators without the diversion via the heat pump. This way, the radiators contribute to environmentally friendly cooling (see Figure 7). The branch at Emden plans to increase the use of solar energy to make better use the roof areas at the port. For this, in 2017 the installation of photovoltaic systems is planned, which should contribute to providing our properties at the port with environmentally friendly solar energy. Moreover, this should also supply power to the charging infrastructure for our fleet of electric vehicles at the port also planned for next year. 4.2 Waste Waste at Seaport Emden arises from, on the one hand, activities that are the result of port maintenance and management, and on the other hand, from ships. Strategies were developed for both types of waste to ensure the most environmentally suitable disposal possible. Disposal of waste from ships Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG endeavours to keep the effects of waste from ships on the environment as low as possible. The trias motto with regard to waste regulations (avoiding waste is better than recycling; recycling is better than disposal) is also observed at Seaport Emden. For this, Niedersachsen Ports has recorded the measures for ship waste disposal in the form of a waste disposal management plan for ships. Figure 7: Use of geothermics Heat pump Geothermic probe Depth approx. 100 m When calling in to Niedersachsen Ports, ships are obliged to pay a fee for waste disposal within the general terms and conditions of use. Expenses for waste disposal are only refunded (70%) when waste is in fact disposed of using the port s waste disposal facilities. This way, Niedersachsen Ports provides an incentive to dispose of waste at a certified and professional company in the port, rather than at sea. The waste disposal at the port must be registered and will be monitored by the authorities. The recycling/ disposal facilities located in Emden and the surroundings have sufficient capacities to correctly dispose of shipping waste. 19

20 According to MARPOL annex I (oil), in general shipping waste is collected by a tank truck on land or by a barge at sea, and disposed of correctly. According to MARPOL annex V (e.g. household waste), in general shipping waste is collected from the ship by a container service. The waste disposal management plan is closely monitored and is re-evaluated every two years. Through the optimal implementation of the waste disposal management plan, a positive development can be seen with regard to the shipping waste collected in Emden over the last few years to protect the sea (see Figure 8) Disposal of our waste Waste arising from operational processes is recycled to the greatest extent possible. At Seaport Emden, employees are provided various waste collection areas. In order to support employees with correct waste disposal, a waste disposal guide was developed at Seaport Emden. Waste is divided into the following categories: General waste Wood waste Mixed scrap Cable scrap Electrical devices Waste paper Oil-contaminated materials Waste oil Used batteries Hazardous waste Green dot Construction waste Even purchasing has been made more waste-aware, to purchase as little waste as possible for example, Annex I (oil) in cubic metres Annex V (house waste) in tonnes empty oil containers are returned to our suppliers. Figure 8: Development of MARPOL shipping waste at Seaport Emden Figure 9: Structured waste recycling at Seaport Emden 20

21 4.3 Water maintenance As a port infrastructure company, Niedersachsen Ports oversees the maintenance of the waters in their sphere of responsibility. Through selective dredging, the navigable target water depth is ensured. Niedersachsen Ports is not only concerned with the economic aspects of maintaining the waters, but also its safe use. Maintenance territory The branch of Niedersachsen Ports in Emden is responsible for the maintenance of the waters at Seaport Emden and the berthing area along the Ems. The Waterways and Shipping office is responsible for maintaining the waters of the Ems. The waters for which Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG is responsible amounts to approximately 114 ha ha of this is influenced by the tide. The maintenance territory comprises the following areas: Due to its location in a brackish zone of the tidal Ems, a significant amount of silt is washed into the port and is deposited there. Therefore, regular dredging must occur to maintain the required nautical depth. In 2000, we switched from dredging via removal, which is redeposited onto the land (flushing fields at Emden-Riepe and Wybelsumer Polder) to recirculation, without removal and depositing on land. This process essentially involves regular treatment (recirculation) in order to stop resolidification (consolidation) of the fluid mud situated at the bottom of the port waters, so that this maintains its fluidity, ensuring trouble-free shipping traffic. The properties of fluid mud mean that it first becomes silt after an extensive settling period; colonies of bacteria are located in its individual particles that produce slimes, which prevent settling. In order to ensure the particles do not settle, the suspended matter (particle-water mixture) is sucked into the loading space of the dredger. There it comes into brief contact with the outside air and accrued methane gas can escape. Once successfully oxidised, the dredged material is then redeposited to the bottom of the port waters (see Figure 10). Through continuous observation and careful planning, intervention can be limited to the most necessary. This preserves the environment and avoids unnecessary expenses. Mixture feed Ems quay and Emspier including the berthing dolphin (water area of approximately 19 ha) Outer port (water area of approximately 23 ha) Water level Oxidation Outer harbour (water area of approximately 3.5 ha) Large sea lock (water area of approximately 1 ha) New inner port (up to indicated border) (water area of approximately 61.5 ha) Jarssum Port (water area of approximately 6 ha) Loading area of suction dredger Fluid mud Loading area Valve Suction head with underwater pump The maintenance territory is part of the dredging contract. In addition, areas outside of the territory are maintained if necessary. Sediment Figure 10: Maintenance of nautical depth via recirculation (fluid mud) Implemented water maintenance techniques 21

22 4.4 Compensation areas What is taken from nature when port facilities are built, must be returned in other areas. In order to functionally compensate for intervention in nature, so-called compensation areas are created by Niedersachsen Ports, which compensate for changes to other areas and creates comparable replacement areas. In the area of Wybelsumer Polders the branch in Emden has large compensation areas for various implemented building plans (see Figure 14). In addition, there is a concept for compensation of intervention in nature and the landscape in the extensive silt area Emden-Riepe (compensation pool, Emden). Smaller compensation measures have been implemented in other parts of the port. The compensation areas at Seaport Emden amount to ha. Figure 11 shows the main compensation areas for the port of Emden. Compensation area Petkumer Hammrich Until into the nineties, silt was redeposited onto flushing fields in the area Emden-Riepe as part of dredging maintenance at Seaport Emden. Niedersachsen Ports off-set these interventions. For this, a compensation concept for intervention in nature and landscape in the extensive slit area Emden Riepe will be implemented among other things, this concept intends to purchase grassland and to use these extensively with farmers - through voluntary nature conservation programmes - as well as to implement measures for a protection programme for wet grassland. For this reason, a total of 54 ha of grassland and 9 ha waterside areas were purchased in Pektumer Hammrich. In this area, ditch slopes were created along the banks, regular nature conservation measures and compensation measure to enhance the natural environment were implemented to compensate for building measures at the port. In the following, selected measures and compensation areas are presented. Figure 11: Compensation areas and conservation areas 22

23 The compensation areas are monitored regularly. Surveys confirm the positive development of the areas in relation to biodiversity. Particularly valuable plants, like marsh marigold and yellow iris, as well as the wide spread of land reed beds have been identified. Emder-Riepe is also extremely valuable for breeding birds. A total of 24 breeding pairs can be found. Among other things, the high number of total territories can be explained by the good condition of the outer structure along the riparian strips of the bank, as well as planted flowering strips. In particular, the population of lapwing profited from the implemented measures. However, other meadow birds, such as curlew, black-tailed godwit or the common redshank have also shown positive development in their number. In the area Wybelsumer Polder, compensation areas were created to compensate for various implemented building plans at the port. For this, a comprehensive concept was developed, in which development potential was established and the corresponding compensation measures were deduced. The compensation measures aim to create and develop attractive living areas for the local flora and fauna of the natural environment of the tideland and marshland. In order to document this development, regular monitoring surveys are carried out. As a result, in bird species could be identified in Wybelsumer Polder. This includes endangered species such as the northern shoveler, common redshank, little ringed plover, cuckoo, lapwing, meadow pipit and little grebe. The strictly protected species include the bluethroat and the pied avocet (see Figure 13). In 2015 an overall evaluation was carried out of the area as a breeding bird territory, which concluded that the territory has attained national importance as a living area for breeding birds. Regular maintenance measures (extensive grazing with sheep, cutting meadow grass), as well as structural improvement measures are carried out by Niedersachsen Ports, ensuring that the attractive living area is maintained and continues to develop. Compensation area Wybelsumer Polder Source: Fotolia, Schmutzler-Schaub Figure 13: Pied avocet chick Source: fotolia creativenature.nl Source: kalberlah bodenbiologie. Figure 12: The population of lapwing and marshmarigold are seeing positive development in the compensation areas 23

24 Figure 14: Connected compensation areas at Wybelsumer Polder 24

25 5 Social Work Environment 5.1 Balancing Job and Family It is Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG s declared goal to actively support their employees in their quest to balance their job with family responsibilities and needs in an ideal way. Our staff is represented by all professional age groups: young professionals, starting their career, tried-and-true professionals, and colleagues already at the end of their career. It comes naturally for us to offer them a work/life balance, i.e. the reconciliation of work and family life. However, this cannot be administered in a cookie-cutter fashion, since the individual needs of our male and female employees are very different. We want to meet the needs of parents with infants as much as the needs of a large family or of those with relatives or a grandchild in need of care. Therefore, we are working out with each individual a customized concept, tailored to their personal circumstances. Possibilities range from a step-by-step reintroduction into the job after a maternal (or paternal) break, to flexible working hours, and to part-time schemes, tailored to the individual needs. Men are also increasingly taking advantage of these opportunities. needs of the areas of deployment and usually takes place in-house. Thus, the employees qualifications and fields of deployment are continuously increased. It also helps to discover and promote the potential for development. Furthermore, Niedersachsen Ports offers students the opportunity to gain insight into our daily activities through internships, where they can also complete their Bachelors or Masters Dissertation within the company and where they can make contacts and develop practically relevant references through the thesis. The importance of the community of employees goes without saying for Niedersachsen Ports. In order to meet the needs resulting from changes in the personal circumstances of each individual, we stay in constant communication with our employees, because we want to keep developing and optimizing the work/life balance Figure 15: Training at Niedersachsen Ports 5.2 Training and Continuing Education Support with regard to the education and training of employees is particularly important to the company. Professional development is promoted through continuing education of the staff through specialized and personal development courses. The continued education of the employees is tailored to the individual 25

26 6 Cooperation, Partnerships, Networks In order to be a successful port, a strong partner and good relationships on site and around the globe are necessary. Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG represents the branch in Emden regionally, nationally and internationally. Energy efficiency measures are already being implemented in cooperation with other partners. In the context of a pilot project by Metropolregion Nordwest together with the ports management company bremenports, areas in the ports are being determined for the application of LED and LEP lighting. LEP (light emitting plasma) is an innovative and promising light technology; its potential for use at ports in Lower Saxony is being determined in this project. In addition, Niedersachsen Ports is a member of the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI), the German Port Technology Association (HTG), the German PI- ANC workgroup MarCom, the German nautical association (Nautische Verein) and many other associations. Niedersachsen Ports campaigns for sustainable solutions in cooperation with its various stakeholders and actively participates in inter-branch associations and different workgroups. In the EU project DUAL Ports, Niedersachsen Ports is working together with numerous other ports in the North Sea region on measures and strategies for sustainable-oriented ports. In this project, which is financed through the INTERREG programme, the different ports are working on different subjects. This includes, for example, liquid natural gas, hydrogen, port lighting, contaminated soil and sustainable port management concepts. With regard to this project, sustainability management and an LED lighting project are being implemented in Emden by NPorts. For the latter, in addition to energy-saving lamps, intelligent, need-based is also being used. The cooperating partners profit from each other and achieve synergy effects through the transfer of knowledge and experience, as well as the exchange of contents and. 26

27 7 Prospects In the future, Niedersachsen Ports intends to further intensify sustainable port management. This means, that all locations will continue to work comprehensively on their own performance towards meeting the measures of an environmentally suitable and sustainable economy. In 2017, Niedersachsen Ports will work on a company-wide strategy for sustainability. For this, strategic topics will be identified and fields actions will be deduced. Classification numbers and targets will be further developed for all significant topics, in which we wish to be measured. In order to further systematise sustainability efforts, Niedersachsen ports is planning to introduce a sustainability management system. This should aid the strict implementation of the aims of the sustainability strategies. Furthermore, current projects shall be continued and accelerated in the next years. At the same time, discussions with partners and the port s groups of interest will be increased, in order to mutually advance the environmental protection and sustainable development at Emden. The hafen+ initiative serves as a multiplier and umbrella for the sustainable activities of Niedersachsen Ports and Jade Weser Bay, under which sustainable port orientation should be further developed. 27

28 8 Contact information Port: Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Contact person: Werner Repenning Position: Manager of Strategic Corporate Development Address: Hindenburgstraße Oldenburg Telephone: +49 (44 1) Fax: +49 (44 1) wrepenning@nports.de Internet: Port: Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Contact person: Dr. Matthäus Wuczkowski Position: Sustainability Consultant Address: Hindenburgstraße Oldenburg Telephone: +49 (44 1) Fax: +49 (44 1) mwuczkowski@nports.de Internet: Port: Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Contact person: Volker Weiß Position: Branch manager Address: Emden branch Friedrich-Naumann-Straße Emden Telephone: +49 (4921) Fax: +49 (4921) vweiss@nports.de Internet: 28

29 Annex: Selected Best Practice Examples Two selected measures taken by Niedersachsen Ports, that make a significant contribution to environmental protection will be explained in more detail below. A) Video conferencing system SOLUTION FORM Port: Emden (Niedersachsen Ports) 1. Description: Video conferencing system The port locations of Niedersachsen Ports are distributed from Emden on the Ems along the Lower Saxony North Sea coast to Stade on the Elbe, as well as the head office in Oldenburg. From Oldenburg, depending on the location the branches are a distance of between 30 and 130 km away. Since agreements must be made between the head office and the branches, meeting take place that leads to frequent journeys between sites. In order to reduce travel expenses, work expenditure, energy consumption and at the same time to reduce CO₂ emissions, Niedersachsen Ports installed a video conferencing room at all locations. Each room received a 65 or 84 touch display - depending on local conditions - and a video system. Financial and ecological relief: Through the use of the video conferencing system, it is expected that Niedersachsen Ports will generate savings in travel expenses, labour costs - through the omission of journey time - and the leasing costs for the vehicles. We calculate a total annual saving of approximately 260,000. Annual CO2 savings are estimated at 187,200 kg. B.) Hydraulic pumps for the Large Sea Lock in Emden The following Best Practice example was submitted by an employee at the Emden branch in the context of idea management and was later implemented. SOLUTION FORM Port: Emden (Niedersachsen Ports) 1. Description: Hydraulic pumps for the Large Sea Lock in Emden Current situation Both gates of the Large Sea Lock are moved via a driver. Each driver is fitted with 4 electric engines (75 kw) each with a hydraulic pump. Currently, all 4 engines are switched on each time the gates are moved. In case of faults or emergency power, operation using 2 engines in planned. Approach to energy saving: the degree of effectiveness of a nominal load operated hydraulic system is better than a system in partial load operation. Approach: Minimised wear through operation via 2 engines. 2 engines (alternating) operate each time the gates are moved, halving the period of use and thus halving wear of the pumps and engines. Availability of the engines and pumps: Through alternating operation of all of the engines and pumps, availability of the components is ensured. Financial and ecological relief: It is expected that Niedersachsen Ports will generate savings in energy and expenses through the alternate operation of the engines and pumps. Estimations indicate possible savings of 22,000 kwh. This will result in annual CO2 savings of 12,980 kg and additionally reduces noise emissions at the port. 29

30 How you can contact us Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Niederlassung Emden Friedrich-Naumann-Straße Emden T: emden@nports.de May 2017 Our Ports. Your Future.