Shore power improving air quality in Port of Tallinn - study

A study conducted by the Estonian Environmental Research Centre (EKUK) in the Tallinn Old City Harbour has revealed that measures including automatic mooring equipment and shore power have improved the air quality at the Port of Tallinn.

PHOTO: An aerial view of the Old City Harbour in Tallinn. Port of Tallinn

The study was conducted by assessing the emissions ships entering, docking and exiting the port area by monitoring the air quality continuously between 15 July and 1 August. Vehicles entering the port were also taken into account.

The EKUK study shows that concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, fine particles, and black carbon in the port’s air had been reduced. A total of 278 ships visited the port during the period the assessment ran for.

Shore power and automatic mooring has led to less engine usage by ships in the port, thus contributing directly to emission reductions, the Port of Tallinn’s environmental manager Ellen Kaasik says.

A separate analysis of 24 cruise ships that visited the port during the assessment period has indicated that cruise ships are not solely responsible for elevating emission levels. Other vessel types and vehicles are among the additional emission sources.

The Port of Tallinn has fitted shore power connections at five quays, and mooring equipment on three quays, to mitigate emissions in the port.

By Tuhin Roy

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