Peel Ports Group has successfully slashed its operational greenhouse gas emissions by 48% over the past five years, positioning itself to achieve net-zero emissions across its port operations by 2040. As the UK's second-largest port operator, this marks a significant stride towards its environmental targets.
The progress is detailed in the Group's third annual ESG and Sustainability report covering the financial year 2025 (FY25 – ending 31 March 2025), which highlights its advancement in sustainable practices, health and safety, employee development, and community impact.
Reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions
The Group has achieved this notable reduction by cutting Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 48% since its 2020 baseline.
This accomplishment was confirmed independently and celebrated at the Mersey Maritime Awards in Liverpool, where Peel Ports was named the Net Zero Champion.
Significant achievements for FY25
Electricity consumption dropped by 6.8%, and overall energy use fell by 2.8% compared to FY24
In FY25, several key milestones were reached. Electricity consumption dropped by 6.8%, and overall energy use decreased by 2.8% compared to FY24.
Additionally, the Group increased its number of apprenticeships from 85 to 125, reduced injury rates by 44% since FY23, and provided 66,528 hours of training, offering an average of 33.6 hours per employee.
Expansion of renewable energy projects
Peel Ports Group has expanded its renewable energy endeavours with the acquisition of five wind turbines at the Port of Liverpool.
These are estimated to generate 6 GWh of clean electricity annually to power port operations. These initiatives are part of a larger plan to integrate renewable energy into 33% of the Group's operations within the next 12 to 18 months.
Launch of TECH365 initiative
Peel Ports is investing substantial funds to enrich existing systems and explore arising technologies
FY25 also marked the introduction of TECH365, an ambitious plan aimed at enhancing technology and automation.
With Gavin Laybourne as the newly appointed Chief Information and Technology Officer (CTIO), Peel Ports is investing substantial funds to enhance existing systems and explore emerging technologies.
Future targets for improvement
Looking forward, Peel Ports has announced a series of ambitious goals. These include achieving net-zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050, with interim milestones by 2030.
The Group aims to have 50% renewable energy provision by 2030 and develop climate adaptation plans for every port by 2028.
Other targets include zero pollution incidents and achieving 'zero harm' across operations by 2028, alongside a £40,000 annual investment in marine biodiversity research.
Commitment to regional economic growth
The company takes pride in its extensive grants to the country's infrastructure, economy
According to Claudio Veritiero, Chief Executive Officer of Peel Ports Group, the company takes pride in its extensive contributions to the country's infrastructure, economy, and environment.
He commented: "We take immense pride in the vital role we play in feeding, powering, and building the nation, but our responsibility extends far beyond this. We’re equally focused on operating responsibly and investing sustainably – to further support UK trade and stimulate regional economic growth and job creation, all while lessening our environmental footprint."
Reducing environmental impact
Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director of Port Services at Peel Ports Group, acknowledged the challenges faced while pursuing sustainable growth. He stated: "Our drive to grow our business sustainably, while reducing our environmental impact and supporting our people, has not been without its challenges, but it is a goal which every one of our teams has fully taken on board."
Lewis McIntyre adds, "Along with the £1.5bn we have invested in sustainable infrastructure over the last decade, we continue to get closer to achieving that goal every day by working together responsibly. Being recognised as the Net Zero Champion at the Mersey Maritime Awards is a strong endorsement of the progress we have made and a testament to the great work of our teams."
Peel Ports Group has achieved a 48% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions in the last five years, putting the UK’s second-largest port group on track to realise its ambitious goal of becoming net-zero across its port operations by 2040.
The Group’s third annual ESG and Sustainability report, which covers the 2025 financial year (FY25 – the 12 months ending 31 March 2025), details its progress against various ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals, with ambitious targets set around sustainability, health and safety, employee development, and community impact.
Reduced Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions
The independently verified figures confirm the group has reduced Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions across its UK port operations by a total of 48%, against its 2020 baseline and using a location-based accounting approach.
It comes as the port group’s achievements in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions were marked at the Mersey Maritime Awards in Liverpool on Thursday evening, with the operator announced as the Net Zero Champion.
Achievements for FY25
In addition to the substantial emissions reduction, the Group has also reported the following achievements for FY25:
- A 6.8% reduction in electricity consumption, with a 2.8% reduction in overall energy use, compared to FY24
- 125 apprenticeships underway, up from 85 in FY24
- A 44% reduction in all injury rates since FY23
- 66,528 hours of training delivered across the Group, with an average of 33.6 training hours per employee.
Broader pipeline of renewables projects
Earlier this year, the Group acquired five wind turbines at the Port of Liverpool, where its operations are headquartered. The turbines are expected to generate around 6 GWh of clean electricity annually, which will contribute to powering the port’s operations.
The turbines are part of a broader pipeline of renewables projects scheduled over the next 12 to 18 months, which are collectively expected to bring the proportion of Group-wide operations powered by renewable electricity to a third (33%).
Group’s new technology and automation plan
FY25 also saw the launch of TECH365, the Group’s new technology and automation plan, bolstered by the appointment of Gavin Laybourne as the Group’s first Chief Information and Technology Officer (CTIO).
The Group has committed several million over the coming years to deliver the plan, which will optimise existing systems, as well as embracing emerging innovations.
Targets for improving on this progress
While the report celebrates progress made to date, importantly, it also features bold targets for improving on this progress in the coming years, outlining the Group’s intention to:
- Achieve net-zero value chain (Scope 3) emissions by 2050, with a range of short-term deliverables to be implemented by 2030.
- Ensure that 50% of the energy provided to its ports and port tenants is renewable by 2030
- Create a climate adaptation plan for each port by 2028 (a plan has already been created for the Port of Liverpool)
- Invest £40k annually towards scientific research focused on the protection, conservation, and enhancement of marine biodiversity
- Achieve zero pollution incidents across port activities by 2028
- Achieve ‘zero harm’ (in relation to personal injuries) across operations by 2028.
Regional economic growth
Claudio Veritiero, Chief Executive Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: "We take immense pride in the vital role we play in feeding, powering, and building the nation, but our responsibility extends far beyond this. We’re equally focused on operating responsibly and investing sustainably – to further support UK trade and stimulate regional economic growth and job creation, all while lessening our environmental footprint."
"We’re encouraged by having achieved a remarkable 48% reduction in operational carbon emissions over the last five years, and we’re well-placed to make more positive progress in the years to come."
Reducing environmental impact
Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director, Port Services at Peel Ports Group, said: "Our drive to grow our business sustainably, while reducing our environmental impact and supporting our people, has not been without its challenges, but it is a goal which every one of our teams has fully taken on board."
Lewis McIntyre adds, "Along with the £1.5bn we have invested in sustainable infrastructure over the last decade, we continue to get closer to achieving that goal every day by working together responsibly. Being recognised as the Net Zero Champion at the Mersey Maritime Awards is a strong endorsement of the progress we have made and a testament to the great work of our teams."
