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Step 1: No waste The first step involves restricting energy consumption by managing waste. While Niron Steel set out to ‘green’ its compressors and lighting systems, its sister company Shipdock has got considerable mileage out of optimising the pumps on its docks. Groen: ‘We installed frequency control devices on the drain pumps, so that they take longer to get fully going and work at full throttle for a shorter period of time. Although it takes slightly longer to clear the docks, we consume less energy while the pumps operate at reduced capacity.’ Step 2: Wind, water and solar energy The second step is to make maximum use of sustainable energy such as wind, water and solar energy. Shipdock has calculated that installing two windmills on its own site would ensure the most efficient energy generation, providing sufficient power to meet the peak-time needs of both Niron Staal en Shipdock and supplying a large number of North Amsterdam households with sustainable energy. The two companies have teamed up with the cooperatives NDSM Energie and Onze Amsterdam Noord Energie and applied for planning permission to construct two turbines. Step 3 fossil fuels Step 3 focuses on the use of fossil fuels. Both companies have opted to purchase 100% sustainably generated electrical power. Cooperation in the maritime supply chain When it comes to sustainability, both Niron Staal and Shipdock choose to partner with all players in the maritime industry supply chain. Groen: ‘For example, we have signed a performance contract with a waste processing company for the recycling of our waste materials. They reuse our waste, which provides them with residuals, so that they make a profit. And we’re doing an even better job of segregating and reusing waste materials, as opposed to simply paying less to have the residuals removed.’ The partnership in sustainability extends to both the back and front ends of the companies. For starters, they make a point of testing all suppliers to see whether they manufacture their products as sustainably as possible. Shipdock purchaser Marco Schumacher: ‘The steel we buy is produced by Tata Steel in IJmuiden. That helps us save money on transport, with the added benefit that Tata has an excellent reputation when it comes to sustainable steel production.’ Forest in the port The two companies have even taken to involving customers in their sustainability strategy. Schumacher: ‘We want to make sustainability visible on the outside as well. We’ve come up with the idea of planting a tree or installing a solar panel on the yard whenever we’ve completed work on a ship or installed a piece of new equipment – we’re talking around sixty to seventy projects a year. The fun part is that these solar panels and trees are named after the customer’s ship, so we’ll eventually have our very own ‘Shipdock forest’ to grace our yard.‘ Sustainable port The initiatives launched by Niron Staal Amsterdam and Shipdock are right in line with Port of Amsterdam’s Corporate Social Responsibility plan, and the Port welcomes and supports their efforts. Port of Amsterdam defines ‘sustainable port’ as a port which is future proof, integrated, responsible, high-quality and international. Sustainability is a key part of all of Port of Amsterdam’s activities and represents a permanent commitment. The Port aims to be one of the top sustainable ports in Europe by 2020. Port of Amsterdam, press release |
