TUG-EMI

Emissions in port areas: Tugboat maneuvering optimization (TUGEMI)

Maritime transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions that have a significant impact on air, water and biodiversity. Emissions from shipping directly affect climate change, the economy, human health and the environment, generating social alarm especially in coastal communities, as almost 70% of ship emissions are emitted within 400 km of the coast, with intense ship traffic and port activities.

In light of this, urgent action is needed to mitigate emissions, especially in areas with port cities. Initiatives that include a cost-effective and potential reduction of maritime transport emissions in coastal areas will be strengthened. The need for emission control policies in ports is widely recognized, as an active policy from the maritime port authorities depends on an accurate estimation of the amount of emissions in the areas near the ground and within ports. Pollution emitted by ports comes from merchant ships in constant maneuver, but also from other pilot vessels, bunkering barges, ship-generated waste collection services, mooring and unmooring services and port tugs. Port tugs usually sail between terminals (light sail) and provide berthing, unberthing and removal services for merchant ships.