Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has signed a cooperation and development agreement with Greenfield Global, which specialises in the production of biofuels, aiming to evolve towards clean energy, green hydrogen, ethanol and methanol.
The deal between the two parties is expected to identify, conceive and implement innovative green energy solutions, among which green hydrogen, ethanol and methanol are at the forefront.
A working committee has been set up to oversee the development and implementation of these new energy solutions for current and future MPA activities as well as those of MPA partners and the marine industry, according to a statement.
“In the wake of dockside shore power implemented in 2017, the development of green hydrogen will make indirect shore supply of electrical power possible for the marine industry,” said the Port of Montreal.
The major Canadian port has achieved the highest level across all environmental matters according to Green Marine’s annual ranking and is continuing its transition to clean technologies and low-carbon fuels.
In recent years, the Port of Montreal has taken several actions to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
More specifically, it has rolled out over 20 shore power connection points where wintering and cruise ships can plug in dockside, a fleet of fully hybrid service vehicles, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) refuelling solution and next-generation low-GHG emitting locomotives.
These various initiatives and those of its partners, who since 1993 have been bound to comply with environment clauses in their leases, have enabled the MPA to reduce GHG emissions specific to its own activities by 25% since 2007 and to lower the intensity of GHG emissions by 22% between 2010 and 2017 for all activities on Port territory in Montreal and Contrecœur.
“The Port of Montreal wants to position itself among the forerunners and strengthen its position as a leader on the St. Lawrence in terms of sustainable development,” pointed out Martin Imbleau, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal Port Authority, and went on to add, “Our trade objectives are integral to our sustainable development objectives, and we firmly believe that this alignment will help boost the competitiveness of the St. Lawrence.”
