Ricardo, a consultancy known for its expertise in environmental, energy, and engineering sectors, has announced a new partnership with the Port of Huelva to explore and enhance green shipping corridors.
This collaboration marks the Port of Huelva as the inaugural port in Spain to embark on plans to examine green corridors as a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions in maritime operations.
Goals of the Partnership
Ricardo is tasked with identifying a minimum of five green shipping corridors
In support of the Port of Huelva, one of Spain's most active ports, Ricardo is tasked with identifying a minimum of five green shipping corridors. The consultancy will also focus on suggesting improvements in port operations and infrastructure, recommending low-carbon logistics, and providing advice on compliance and development actions with regulatory entities.
Additionally, Ricardo will develop a phased roadmap alongside action plans for both public and private stakeholders involved in these green shipping corridors.
Development in the Maritime Value Chain
Green shipping corridors are specific maritime routes designed for vessels that utilise low-emission propulsion systems.
The Port of Huelva aims to bolster collaborations across the maritime value chain, engaging with industrial fuel producers, terminal operators, fuel suppliers, utilities, and commercial shipping enterprises. These partnerships are key to advancing European green shipping projects.
Industry Insights
The Port of Huelva aims to bolster collaborations across the maritime value chain
Matt Moss, Ricardo's Green Shipping Corridor Lead, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are delighted to be working with the Port of Huelva on this ambitious green shipping corridor project. The Port is taking bold steps to understand how they can decarbonise their value chain, and this firmly establishes them as leaders in port sustainability, not just in Spain but throughout Europe."
Background on Pre-feasibility Assessments
Ricardo has extensive experience in maritime decarbonisation, having spearheaded four green shipping corridor projects across Europe. These include two pre-feasibility assessments aimed at establishing potential green routes between the UK and Norway, and the UK and Denmark.
Moreover, they have conducted feasibility studies involving the Port of Holyhead and Port of Dublin with Stena Line and Irish Ferries, and in the North Sea Shipping Corridor connecting the Port of Tyne and Port of Ijmuiden, in collaboration with DFDS.
Project Timeline
The first phase of this initiative will commence in November 2025. It will involve an analysis of the current port capacities, evaluating the fuel value chain, mapping prospective routes, and assessing the readiness of infrastructure. This foundational phase is crucial for setting the stage for the effective operation of green shipping corridors.
