The Port of Helsinki has achieved an important environmental milestone by achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by early 2025. After years of implementing strategies to reduce emissions , the port authority continues its commitment to sustainability through initiatives that involve its entire value chain.
The Port of Helsinki Strategy
Since 2019, the port has set the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by optimizing energy consumption and investing in clean and renewable sources. Over the years, it has implemented measures such as:
- Reducing energy consumption through improvements in building efficiency and use of LED lighting.
- Carbon-free energy , used since 2020.
- Use of renewable district heating , implemented by 2025.
- Own generation of solar energy to cover part of the port demand.
- Offsetting remaining emissions through carbon credits, with investments in forestry projects in Finland.
These actions have allowed a 63% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to 2015. However, the port recognises that carbon offsetting should be a last resort and is striving to continue reducing the amount of emissions generated.
Impact and challenges in maritime logistics
Shipping is a key sector in the transition to decarbonisation . Although the Port of Helsinki has reduced its own emissions, these represent only 4% of the total generated in the port area. Therefore, its strategy is extended to the entire value chain , including:
- Reducing emissions in the construction of port infrastructure by applying life cycle calculations to materials.
- Collaboration with maritime operators and logistics companies to find low-carbon solutions.
- Use of biofuels in port vehicles and machinery , although some units still have combustion engines for operational safety.
- International cooperation with key players in the maritime sector , such as the routes between Helsinki and Tallinn .
Towards a greener future
Port of Helsinki Director General Ville Haapasaari stressed that although carbon neutrality has been achieved, work continues:
Our work does not end there. In the future, we will increasingly focus on finding low-carbon solutions in cooperation with our partners, customers and stakeholders.
Sustainability and HSEQ Director Andreas Slotte stressed the importance of assessing the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects to minimise their environmental impact.
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Source: Port of Helsinki
Photo: shutterstock