Amsterdam Port’s ambitious five year plan for the environment

The Port of Amsterdam’s environmental policy plan for the period 2008-2012 entitled “Sustainability: Boldness, Action and Resolve” matches the objectives of the Amsterdam’s municipal environmental policy plan “Sustainable Amsterdam”. It is also an elaboration of part of the sustainability theme of the Port Vision 2008-2020. The port’s environmental policy plan clearly outlines the objectives in concrete action plans. It has been positively received by stakeholders.
 
The Port of Amsterdam aims to become one of Europe’s most sustainable ports. Numerous innovative techniques will be used to improve current practice from reducing noise and dust pollution to raising the generation of sustainable energy.
 
On 25 November 2008 Amsterdam’s municipal executive approved the plan, and 11 March 2009 saw the municipal council agreeing the plan’s objectives. The plan was formulated with broad participation. Many civil society organisations including environmental groups, trade associations, municipal services, urban districts, regional political groupings and national government were involved in providing input. Much was incorporated in the plan as approved.
 
Consultation also took place with other Dutch seaports which has resulted in all Dutch ports agreeing to adopt a uniform environmental policy for the shipping industry. One of the key objectives is clean shipping. It has been agreed that the ports will not compete in areas where the environment is involved, but that knowledge will be shared.
 
Optimising use of space and the environment
More intensive use will be made of the port’s physical and environmental space, and CO2 emissions will also be reduced in line with the municipal objective of a 40% CO2 reduction in 2025 against 1990 applicable to the entire Westpoort area, including traffic and shipping.
 
Clean shipping
The shore-power outlets at all public moorings for inland shipping and river cruise vessels will be expanded. The Port of Amsterdam aims to achieve this before 2015. The possibilities to create shore-power outlets for sea-going vessels is being examined. The port plans also to tighten legislation and regulations at both national and international levels. As of 2025 inland vessels that do not meet the CCR-2 air quality standard will no longer be permitted in the port.
 
Stimulating goods transport via water and rail
Amsterdam also plans to focus on growth sectors and goods flows that currently make little use of transport to the hinterland by water or rail. Road freight will be reduced from 53 to 45% by 2020 in favour of transport by water (49%) and rail (6%).
 
Hazardous substances
A regional vision for Westpoort is being drafted in cooperation with all parties involved on behalf of safety, spatial planning and risk management regarding hazardous substances. Mooring policy for vessels with hazardous substances is being upgraded. More capacity will be made available for enforcement of legislation and regulations.
 
Port of Amsterdam’s exemplary function
The Port of Amsterdam wants to play an exemplary role in the field of sustainability. To this end, it aims to be a CO2 neutral organisation by 2015. Reducing the use of natural resources (space, energy, raw materials) within the organisation is a first key step in this direction.
 

Source: Amsterdam Port Authority