Port of Antwerp Policy set
The port of Antwerp has launched its first sustainability report; in the last year various business groups have compiled their findings on sustainable transport and logistics activity.
The main objective of the report was to see how Logistics companies can actively involve the ‘people, planet and profit’ concept into their day to day activities.
The Port of Antwerp hopes to establish itself as a leading provider in sustainable transport solutions, whilst older policies looked to fortifying the Ports effort on economic development. In 2012 efforts are made to improve and manage the social concerns that impact the ports activities, namely environmental management.
Environmental management will be one of the main areas of focus throughout the policy documentation, including stakeholder management. The Port of Antwerp has a distinct advantage for import and export activities, with its geographical location set inland the environmental concerns of transport are lowered whilst also reducing costs.
There are nine main stages of the environmental policy;
- The Port of Antwerp as a gateway to Europe. Antwerp has many benefits such as being one of the safest ports in Europe which also allows vessels to dispose of waste free of charge or for a small fee setting the standards for ports across Europe.
- Engaging in Employment activity, the port provides work for 145,000 people either directly or indirectly with 7% coming from the Flanders region.
- Investing in Infrastructure to maintain its stance as a leading provider in Port activity across Europe, research and development is also heavily exercised.
- Increasing Labour productivity, the port of Antwerp can boast a 50% above average in production capacity by its workforce.
- Encouraging Environmental growth, with such a large area of business activity the port 5% of the actual port area will be dedicated to nurturing that habitation of plant and animal species natural to ports and harbors, nature conservation is set to grow.
- A port for both Industry and Logistics, energy consumption rose by around 16% between 2000 and 2008. The biggest consumer of energy was the chemical and refining industries due to higher production. The preferred method at the Port of Antwerp is to utilize water activity from the River Sheldt rather than consuming valuable groundwater on mass.
- Creating a harmonious environment between nature and the environment, the logistical nature of economic and business activity than proceeds creates a high influx of emissions including gases such as nitrous oxide. Goals were put into place in 2008 in a bid to lower gas emissions; a clear and systematic improvement has been measured.
- Pipeline Hubs being favored as environmentally friendly modes instead of typical Road transport, which now accounts for less than 50% of freight movements except in the case of containers. Many large containers are also now transported by Barge facilities.
- Increasing Sustainable environment for transporting workers in their commuting activities.
This report was created in line with the ‘total plan for a more competitive port’ and in response to the global financial crisis.
Partners involved in the Port of Antwerp were aware that competitive advantage could be sort through better practices of sustainability for current and future practices. Sustainability of the Port of Antwerp however is an ongoing, continuous process all areas cannot be overlooked.