Green ports
Responsibility toward nature, the environment, and society is essential for ports to operate and develop in the long term. Through continuous improvement and collaboration with the community, ports are shaped where nature and everyday life can thrive side by side.
EPI
Environmental index for greener port operations
EPI is a tool that provides ports with insights into the environmental impact of cruise ships visiting them. It enables ports to introduce financial incentives for more environmentally friendly vessels, where ships with strong environmental performance receive discounts, while more polluting ships are charged higher fees. The goal is to create financial incentives for more sustainable operations and support greener port activities.
Benefits of EPI
- Incentivizes reduced emissions from vessels in port
- Enables transparent, data-driven environmental management
- Supports the green transition
Shore power
Cleaner energy at the berth
Onshore Power Supply allows vessels to switch off their auxiliary engines and connect directly to electricity from shore while at berth. This significantly reduces emissions of pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter, improving air quality and public health in nearby areas.
- Significantly reduced air pollution in port areas
- Reduced noise from vessels in port
- Supports carbon neutrality in port operations
Energy transition
Energy transition for the environment
Energy transition is a key element in moving toward carbon neutrality in port operations. It involves shifting from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy sources, both on land and, where possible, in vessels using port services. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and support the energy transition across the entire port value chain.
Projects – energy transition
- Shore power for cruise ships and cargo vessels
- Electrification of machinery and port equipment
- Emphasis on environmentally friendly transport in operations
Environmental monitoring
The foundation for continuous improvement
Environmental performance is continuously monitored, and measurement and data collection form the basis for ongoing improvements. Air quality data from the Ports of Faxaflói monitoring station is available in real time on the Environment Agency website (www.loftgaedi.is), and monthly bacterial measurements are conducted in the ports.
- Foundation for continuous environmental improvement
- Information sharing and transparency
Environmental management
Insights for the future
The Ports of Faxaflói place strong emphasis on responsible environmental management through green accounting and emissions accounting. This enables monitoring of carbon emissions, energy use, and other environmental impacts, supporting better decision-making and continuous improvement.