The objective of this call’s sub-theme is to develop new services that support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, with a focus on ports ecosystems.

Ports play a pivotal role in maritime decarbonisation, serving as hubs for enabling the transition to cleaner and more sustainable shipping practices. They are more than just logistical centres — they are strategic agents of change in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. 

By implementing measures to decarbonise, ports can transform into green hubs that not only minimise environmental impacts but also drive innovation and sustainable economic growth. This transformation is essential for the broader decarbonisation of global trade and transport systems.

This sub-theme includes the following topics, although bidders are encouraged to propose additional services not listed below that contribute to the decarbonisation of ports ecosystems:

• Digitalisation and efficiency improvements: By adopting smart technologies and space-enabled digital platforms, ports can optimise their operations and enhance the efficiency of cargo handling. Efficient port operations improve competitiveness of all parties while reducing fuel consumption, hence directly cutting emissions.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Ports can become renewable energy hubs by integrating solar, wind, and other renewable sources to power their operations and provide clean energy to vessels. Space assets can support the planning and operations optimisation of green energy sources, improving their effectiveness and reliability.
• Green Electrification and Shore Power: Ports play a significant role in reducing emissions from ships during berthing by cold ironing, allowing vessels to plug into the electrical grid instead of using auxiliary engines powered by fossil fuels. Electrifying port operations, such as cranes, vehicles, and cargo-handling equipment, further minimises the port’s own carbon footprint. Space assets can aid in planning and forecasting grid loads to optimise the electrical power infrastructure.
• Port Vehicles Autonomy: Autonomy can be introduced to port land infrastructure, such as cranes and other land vehicles, as well as water vehicles like bathymetric survey vessels. These systems can utilise precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, as well as reliable hybrid terrestrial/satellite 5G connectivity, to enhance operations. Autonomous systems can often reduce emissions by optimising operations and reducing the size and complexity of the vehicle. 
• Monitoring of Emissions: Satellites, in combination with in-situ sensors, can provide critical information on port emissions and their impact on surrounding environments and populations. In addition to monitoring carbon dioxide (CO?), the increasing adoption of LNG-powered vessels makes the tracking of methane (CH?) emissions particularly important. Furthermore, monitoring pollutants such as sulphur oxides (SO?), nitrogen oxides (NO?), and particulate matter is essential due to their harmful effects on human health and natural ecosystems. 

Funding is available for both feasibility studies and demonstration projects and the closing date for applications is 15th February 2025.

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