Hongkong International Terminals promotes carbon neutrality with new quay cranes

Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) has invested HK$78m to roll out two new quay cranes equipped with solar panels on top of machinery house, to continue its effort towards carbon neutrality and sustainability. 

This marks a significant milestone for HIT as it looks to explore new alternatives to reduce its operational impacts on the environment and become a green port. It also contributes to the government’s Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 with an aim towards carbon neutrality.

A photovoltaic system, comprising of 84 solar panels, has been installed on the quay cranes. Energy collected will be used to power auxiliary systems including air conditioning and lighting systems in the quay cranes.

With estimated three hours of exposure to sunlight every day, the photovoltaic system on quay cranes will be able to generate roughly 42,000Wh of energy with a 98.75% system efficiency. Along with the solar panels previously installed in eight car parks and 24 substations, the accumulated total energy generated will be over 1.6 million kWh per year, which is equivalent to the amount of energy needed to charge roughly 3,920 electric cars for a month or 875,000 smartphones for a year.

In 2022, Hutchison Port Holdings Trust reported emissions intensity of 11.79, representing a decrease of 17% compared to 2021.Other than solar energy, HIT has also adopted a series of measures in energy saving and emissions reduction such as using electric vehicles and converting hybrid power systems of rubber-tyred gantry cranes to electric systems to promote the efficient use of electricity usage.

Commenting on the initiative, Ivor Chow, managing director of HIT, said, “HIT commits to exploring environmentally sustainable alternatives by managing the carbon footprint...we are glad to be taking our green mission to the next level and support Hong Kong in becoming a low-carbon and green city. Looking ahead, we will continue our endeavors in optimising terminal facilities and exploring other applications of renewable energy to build a sustainable port ecosystem.”

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to HIT for more information. 

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