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Rabat — Tanger Med port group has launched an ambitious strategy to eliminate its carbon footprint while helping its operators become more sustainable, officials announced at a recent industry event.
Speaking at the International Transport and Logistics Exhibition for Africa and the Mediterranean (Logismed), Port Decarbonization Director Amine Benyessef outlined the port’s two-part environmental mission, namely achieving carbon neutrality in its operations and developing decarbonization services for partner companies.
“We’ve built our strategy around four key pillars: green electricity supply, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and circular economy management,” Benyessef told the audience during a panel discussion on decarbonization challenges facing ports, transportation, and logistics.
The port has already made significant progress, now running on 100% renewable electricity through long-term purchase agreements. Several self-production projects are also underway to further strengthen its green energy capabilities.
One of the most visible achievements is the new infrastructure allowing ships to plug into green electricity while docked. The shore power system lets vessels shut down their auxiliary engines during port calls, eliminating emissions.
“This onshore power supply (OPS) system is already working across 800 meters of dockside and will soon expand to other terminals and ferries,” Benyessef explained.
The World Port Climate Initiative recommends the OPS strategy to help reduce the environmental impact of seagoing vessels in ports. It also helps reduce the side effects of auxiliary engines, including emitting carbon dioxide and air pollutants.
Such electrification is expected to become standard practice at ports worldwide by 2030, Benyessef noted.
Read also: Tanger Med Port Reached Over $1.2 Billion Revenue in 2024
The decarbonization efforts extend beyond the port itself. Miguel Troitiño, Regional Director of XPO Logistics Morocco, described how his company balances operational performance with environmental sustainability across its extensive network.
“We manage one million square meters of warehouses across Morocco, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, making us a major consumer of goods and energy,” Troitiño said. His company focuses on sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, from optimizing vehicle loading to reducing empty kilometers.
XPO Logistics has implemented practical solutions, including increased use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), replacement of energy-intensive lighting and equipment, and tandem road convoys to reduce CO2 emissions.
The Logismed exhibition runs until May 15 under the theme “Supply Chain in Morocco: an industry serving competitiveness, sovereignty, and economic sophistication.”
