Port of Melbourne has released its 2023 Sustainability Report detailing progress over the past year.
Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon said sustainability was important to support the port’s efficient 24/7 operations and grow the port to meet the increasing trade requirements of south-eastern Australia.
“Port of Melbourne is a key driver of the prosperity of our region, delivering not only economic growth but connecting communities throughout south-eastern Australia,” he said.
“We are committed to partnering with others to meet the sustainability challenges we face as an industry.”
Responding to climate change and decarbonisation is a focus for the port.
Mr Cannon said Port of Melbourne has set a target to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 through sourcing the electricity needed for business operations from renewables and transitioning the corporate vehicle fleet and marine survey vessel to electric or zero-emissions fuel technologies.
“We have also set a Scope 3 target to engage with shipping lines, tenants and other port users to identify opportunities to progress the decarbonisation of the port supply chain,” he said.
Port of Melbourne signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2023 to explore the commercial feasibility of establishing a green methanol bunkering hub at the port, bringing together international shipping line customers, potential producers and key supply chain participants.
Mr Cannon said ensuring the port is equipped to respond to increased demand from Victoria’s growing population was a focus of the past year and planning has commenced for the Port Capacity Enhancement Program.
“In 2023 we undertook formal consultation on the program’s first stage, which involved defining future container trade demand, future ship fleet forecasts and container capacity forecasts,” he said.
Safety continues to be a priority for the port. In 2023 Port of Melbourne recorded zero lost time injuries for employees for the third consecutive year.
Mr Cannon said Port of Melbourne’s sustainability performance was once again recognised by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, achieving a 5-Star rating in the Infrastructure Asset Assessment.
Mr Cannon said that as part of Port of Melbourne’s commitment to sustainability, it completed its inaugural $475 million, six-year Sustainability Linked Loan in July 2023 which included targets to reduce emissions, engage with port stakeholders and progress workplace mental health.
Read the 2023 Sustainability Report.
For more information contact: David Jarwood
Mobile: 0492805003
Email: david.jarwood@portofmelbourne.com