Keeping true to being a leader in adapting green technology, South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) Sri Lanka’s first Public Private Partnership container terminal, is exploring green hydrogen as an alternative fuel for powering terminal equipment.
In addition the Company also plans to electrify 30 Prime Mover Trucks (PMs) out of a fleet of 80. SAGT will also install rooftop solar that will generate approximately 7% of the current electricity usage. Due to a 7% uptick in container volumes in 2023/24 in comparison to 2022/23, SAGT’s total carbon footprint increased by 8% although the GHG intensity (kgCO2eq/ box move) continued to fall and saw a marginal reduction of 0.1%. To accelerate progress towards net zero the Company will convert 6 more RTGs to hybrid technology.
In the year ahead, SAGT will also invest in electrification and renewable energy to power segments of its operations going forward. These were highlighted by SAGT in its fifth successive sustainability report for the period 2023/24 which was centred on the theme “Collaborating for Tomorrow” and captures the Company’s leadership towards sustainability and presents its sustainability performance for the related period.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has mandated the international shipping industry to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. As a key player within the maritime landscape SAGT is focussed on reaching net zero ahead of the IMO target. Being conscious of water usage SAGT employs a submetering network to track and reduce consumption. Further, the existing Sewer Treatment Plant (STP) is being upgraded to allow reuse of treated effluent for selected terminal activities.
Through a groundbreaking initiative between Maersk Line and SAGT, the Company is looking to reuse water desalinated onboard vessels. Effectively reducing SAGT’s need for natural water withdrawal by approximately 2% based on one tank-tainer of 25,000 litres per week.
SAGT will also continue to digitalise and automate its processes for heightened efficiency and more sustainable operations. During the period the Company launched phase one of a digital Safety Management System (SMS). The complete system is set to roll out in mid-2024.
Romesh David, CEO of SAGT said “We continue to strive to create a best in class, equitable and egalitarian working environment for our employees while engaging in targeted initiatives aimed at sustaining the wider community in which we operate.”
Among other corporate social responsibility initiatives SAGT spent Rs. 185 million to supply 75ML of milk powder towards re-starting the stalled “Thriposha” nutritional program of the Government.