Port Decarbonisation: Hitachi's Role in Transforming Maritime Hubs for a Sustainable Future

Maritime ports have always been crucial hubs of commerce, facilitating the movement of goods that power global economies. However, as the world increasingly recognises the importance of sustainability, there is an increasing movement toward reducing emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy at ports—tapping into innovation to do this. Here at Hitachi, we’re uniquely positioned to support ports in this transformation—helping them evolve into dynamic, energy-efficient, and greener transport centres. Here’s how ports can progress as both energy and economic powerhouses, supported by Hitachi’s industry-leading expertise and solutions.?

Decarbonising the Port Ecosystem through Digitisation and Energy Management?

To reduce emissions and move a step closer to net-zero, a switch to electric is a necessary part of the journey. However, this in itself raises issues, with ports and their complex ecosystems demanding an integrated approach to manage everything from onsite power efficiency to renewable energy generation and advanced energy storage. This is where Hitachi's digital and AI-driven solutions—previously applied in sectors like manufacturing and transport to reduce waste and optimise energy use—are well placed to support. A long-standing leader in decarbonisation, Hitachi has harnessed real-time data insights and generative AI to help businesses best understand energy requirements, with the recently concluded Optimise Prime trial enabling project partners to prepare for the use of electric vehicles, while a new partnership between Hitachi ZeroCarbon and GRIDSERVE will see around 140 eHGVs integrated into the UK charging network. This is in addition to the decades of experience and technological expertise offered by Hitachi Rail, which recently announced the launch of HMAX—using data driven advanced AI analytics to optimise operations and maintenance, offering major benefits to railways?

There is also much that Hitachi can offer ports in the establishment of microgrid infrastructure that optimises the use of renewable energy generated on site—something that will be key as demand for electric grows. Through intelligent load shifting and advanced battery storage along with its e-mesh? technology—successfully put to use at Norway’s Skagerak Arena—ports can maximise renewable power usage, ensuring that energy is stored and distributed efficiently to support operations. Integrating these technologies with renewable sources such as solar and wind power gives ports a robust foundation on the journey to net-zero.?

Ports as Energy Hubs for a Net-Zero Economy?

With international shipping said to be responsible for around 3% of greenhouse gas emissions currently and as much as 10% by 2050 ports are increasingly seen as future energy hubs, playing a pivotal role in supporting the broader energy transition beyond their operational boundaries. With Hitachi’s support, ports can evolve into multi-faceted energy ecosystems where renewable power generation, storage, and distribution converge. When you consider the Port of Tyne, it's not only a logistics hub, but a natural landing point for renewable energy from offshore sources, such as the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm—which will actually be connected to the mainland transmission network using Hitachi’s pioneering HVDC Light? technology. Beyond this we should look towards the ships themselves and how these can be made more sustainable, an important consideration for businesses around the globe as they consider their scope three emissions on the journey to net zero. The current need of ships to burn bunker fuel while in port due to the difficulties in accessing ship to shore power is something which Hitachi, with its 40 years of experience in static frequency converters is well placed to help alleviate.??

Hitachi’s role in this evolution goes beyond technology deployment; it involves working collaboratively with ports, local governments, and surrounding businesses to drive change across entire value chains. Decarbonising a port’s energy sources requires alignment between ship operators, fuel suppliers, and technology providers and the breadth of Hitachi allows us to combine digital and data led solutions with physical products to optimise resources and offer solutions for all stakeholders.??

Advancing Economic Regeneration and Regional Development?

In addition to environmental benefits, port decarbonisation efforts have the potential to spur economic growth and regional regeneration. Ports like Antwerp-Bruges and Tyne are economic engines, in fact, the Port of Antwerp-Brugge contributes 4.5% to Belgian GDP and provides 164,000 jobs. Similarly, the Port of Tyne currently contributes ￡700 million to the regional economy.

Hitachi’s digital and energy solutions not only support port sustainability but can also help attract businesses and industries committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Returning to the topic of scope three emissions, consider the benefit to a business which can make the switch to electric HGVs because the charging capability is now in place at the ports it uses. This is something which Hitachi ZeroCarbon, with varied and demonstrable experience in supporting fleet electrification for companies such as Royal Mail and First Bus, can also offer to port operators.?

The Road Ahead: Collaborative Ecosystems for a Decarbonised Future?

As the above demonstrates, decarbonising ports is a complex challenge that requires systemic changes across multiple stakeholders, but Hitachi’s experience in managing cross-industry ecosystems makes it uniquely qualified to bring these disparate groups together. Through collaboration, technological innovation, and a commitment to sustainable economic development, Hitachi can play a vital role in supporting ports as they transform into resilient, low-carbon energy hubs that drive local economies toward a sustainable future.?

Hitachi recognises the importance of the maritime sector in the journey towards a net-zero future, which is why its sponsoring Maritime Innovation Week (19th-21st November). Join the team in both London and at the Port of Tyne to hear more about what they envision for its future.??