New initiatives

BOXBAY

An innovative container storage system

DP World developed BoxBay together with the German SMS Group. In this steel rack, containers are placed in slots up to eleven high, creating three times the capacity of a conventional yard and reducing the space used by 70%. Containers are taken in and out of slots by fully electric and automated built-in cranes. This system makes restacking of containers unnecessary, which eliminates unproductive moves. Photovoltaic solar panels on the roof surface supply the system directly with green electricity. Sound-insulating panels can be fitted on the side walls to reduce noise pollution.

Highly promising test results

In August 2021, a full-size model of BoxBay was put into service for testing at the Jebel Ali terminal (Dubai). The results are highly promising: the system proved even faster and more energy-efficient than expected. Energy costs were 29% lower than initially estimated. The head office is working on comparative yard studies and conceptual designs for a number of locations around the world.

Alternative fuel

Our goal is to reduce our CO2 emissions to an absolute minimum. Within the DP World Group, tests are being conducted with the alternative fuel HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), as a replacement for diesel in the straddle carriers. With this technology, we hope to reduce our CO2 emissions from straddle carriers by a further 80%. We are closely monitoring the results of the tests and plan to run tests on our machines in 2022.

Shore power

When vessels are docked, they still consume a great deal of energy – for example, to run the refrigerated containers or for their own heating and electricity production. In the “fit for 55” package, Europe has stipulated that shipping companies must reduce their CO2 emissions and will become part of the emissions trading system. Shore power, or plugging the ship into the terminal's electricity grid, has been suggested as a solution. Because we want to support our customers in reducing their CO2 emissions, we are investigating, together with the Port Authority, how and under what conditions shore power can be implemented at the various terminals.

LNG bunkering on vessels

Shipping companies are looking for ways to reduce their CO2 emissions, not only while vessels are docking but also when they are on the move. Vessels are already being equipped with LNG tanks so that they can run on LNG, for example, when entering the port. Because LNG bunkering entails certain risks, CEPA is looking into ways of ensuring that this can be done safely in the future.