Ships also emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere due to burning fossil fuels for engine operation. The port of Barcelona is determined to take proactive steps to reduce its environmental footprint and continue to drive its transition to cleaner energy. One of the main pillars of this transition is the liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel that the port has adopted as part of its strategy to improve air quality and reduce polluting emissions.
Context and objectives of the air quality improvement plan
The Port of Barcelona has implemented its Air Quality Improvement Plan as one of its most ambitious strategies to combat the pollution generated by its activity. The main objective of this plan is to reduce polluting emissions and position the port as a benchmark in sustainability within the international arena.
One of the main initiatives of the plan is the promotion of the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) among ships operating in its waters. LNG is a cleaner fuel that reduces the emission of polluting gases, such as sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides. According to recent studies, the use of LNG can reduce emissions by up to 10% 92,6% NOx emissions, which represents a significant advance in the fight against pollution in port areas.
In addition to promoting the use of LNG, the Port of Barcelona has implemented a system of economic bonuses for cleaner ships that use this alternative fuel. The aim is to attract more low-emission maritime traffic and reduce the port's environmental impact on the city.
Recent data on the implementation of LNG in the port of Barcelona
In 2023, the Port of Barcelona has managed to establish itself as a key hub in the Mediterranean for the supply of LNG to ships. During that year, a total of 199 supply operations were carried out, resulting in a total of 143.000 cubic meters of LNG, doubling the figure from the last reference year, 2021.
One of the keys to success in the transition to LNG has been the commissioning of the barge Haugesund Knutsen, with a capacity of 5.000 m3 LNG. This vessel, commercially managed by Shell, has enabled more efficient supply operations, reducing loading time to an average of three to four hours per ship.
The use of LNG by ships that call at Barcelona has represented a profound reduction in polluting emissions. 618 LNG-powered ships that passed through the port in 2023 have contributed to the reduction 400 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 10% of the total NOx emissions generated by all maritime traffic in the port.
Benefits of using liquefied natural gas
El liquefied natural gas not only allows for a reduction in NOx emissions, but also contributes to a significant reduction in other pollutants. Its use eliminates 100% of NOx emissions. sulfur oxides (SOx) and particles. In addition, it reduces emissions of carbon by 20% to 30%. CO2, which helps mitigate climate change.
LNG is considered by the European Union as a transition fuel which facilitates the adaptation of infrastructures towards a future in which zero-emission fuels such as bio-LNG, hydrogen or ammonia will be used. In this way, ports, such as Barcelona, are prepared to make the leap towards cleaner energies when these technologies mature.
Future sustainability plans for the port of Barcelona
The port of Barcelona does not stop using LNG, since its Energy Transition Plan includes even more ambitious projects to reduce its carbon footprint. This plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% 50% by 2030 and turn the port into an infrastructure carbon neutral for the 2050 year.
The most notable project within this plan is the initiative Nexigen, which involves electrifying docks so that ships can connect to the power grid when they are docked. This will prevent ships from having to use their auxiliary engines, which will significantly contribute to reducing emissions.
Another aspect of the Energy Transition Plan is the construction of a power plant green methanol within the port facilities. This zero-emission fuel will be used to propel ships and will represent a major step towards the decarbonisation of maritime transport.
Challenges to face and future opportunities
Despite the success of LNG, the Port of Barcelona faces challenges in the coming years. The global increase in natural gas prices as a result of the war in Ukraine in 2022 affected the consumption of this fuel, although the normalisation of prices, together with economic incentives for cleaner ships, are expected to increase its use in the near future.
In addition, the port is studying the feasibility of building a production plant for biomethane from waste. This carbon-neutral fuel will be the next phase towards port sustainability and will replace LNG in ship propulsion.
The Port of Barcelona is also committed to continuing to adapt to European regulations on alternative fuels. In fact, the port has been recognised as one of the first to have the necessary infrastructure for the supply of LNG, including the capacity to operate using tankers, barges and regasification plants.
The Port of Barcelona is at the forefront of the transition towards cleaner energy in the maritime sector. Thanks to its efforts, it has managed to significantly reduce pollution in the city and lay the foundations for an emission-free future.