Belfast To Host ESA Decarbonisation And Sustainability Workshop | Northern Ireland News , 17 / 09 / 2024

Belfast Harbour is hosting the first-ever European Space Agency (ESA) Port Decarbonisation and Environmental Sustainability Workshop, aiming to launch a program of innovative space age ideas for the maritime sector. The one-day event, organized by Belfast Harbour, ESA s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) program, Redshift Associates, and the UK Space Agency, will gather experts from maritime and space sectors across Europe to discuss challenges related to climate change and decarbonization in the maritime industry. The workshop will focus on the role of space technologies in the green transition for European ports, particularly in the digitalization of port operations. Belfast Harbour has been implementing digitalization and data-driven analytics as part of its Climate Action Strategy, including advanced energy monitoring systems to make informed decisions. The organization has achieved a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2015, with a further 18% reduction in 2023, and is on track to reach net zero in its direct operations ahead of its 2030 target. Laura O Neill, Digital Transformation Manager at Belfast Harbour, will discuss the use of 5G technology to revolutionize port operations. Rita Rinaldo, Head of Applications, Projects, and Studies Division at ESA, highlighted the importance of space technologies in facilitating port decarbonization and strengthening the maritime economy. In January 2024, the ESA launched the Space for Maritime Sustainability Task Force, which aims to engage with various players in the maritime sector to support decarbonization and utilize space technologies. The UK Space Agency emphasized the crucial role of space in addressing climate change and exploring ways to improve port efficiency and tackle environmental challenges in the maritime industry. The workshop will also examine industry requirements for decarbonization in areas such as onshore power, green shipping corridors, and renewable energy solutions. Emerging solutions enabled by space data and services will be explored for potential commercial exploitation by the port industry. This event is a key step in the UK Space Agency s

Source: 4ni.co.uk
Published on 2024-09-17