China's Leading Cargo Port Teams Up with 3 European Hubs for Low-Carbon Maritime Initiative

HANGZHOU, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, renowned as the world's busiest port in terms of cargo throughput, has announced a significant collaboration with three prominent European ports—Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven in Germany along with Valencia in Spain. This initiative, aimed at constructing green shipping corridors, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing low-carbon port cooperation between China and Europe.

The shipping industry, accounting for approximately 80 percent of global trade, is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. In response to demands for decarbonization in international shipping, the involved ports will engage with shipping lines, cargo owners, energy providers, research institutions, and other key stakeholders. Their collective goal is to promote zero-carbon technology, clean fuel usage, and advanced management systems on designated shipping routes.

Among the primary actions outlined in the initiative are the development and utilization of shore power infrastructure, optimization of freight distribution networks, integration of renewable energy solutions, and enhancement of clean fuel bunkering. These efforts are geared towards establishing corridors that achieve net-zero carbon emissions from the point of departure to the destination port.

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port operates over 300 container routes, encompassing more than 250 international routes that connect to upward of 600 ports across more than 200 countries and regions. This extensive network underlines the port's critical role in global trade and its capacity to influence international shipping practices.

A commitment to strengthening research and advancing the promotion of green and low-carbon technologies has long been a cornerstone of operations at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. Currently, an impressive 74 percent of the port's energy consumption is sourced from clean energy, demonstrating its dedication to sustainability.

"We aim to work closely with ports and shipping companies under the Belt and Road Initiative to support the global green transformation of ports and shipping," stated Tao Chengbo, chairman of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group. This statement reflects the strategic vision to enhance collaboration and international efforts toward sustainable shipping practices.