Tanger Med Port’s ambitious journey towards a zero-carbon future

Tanger Med Port Group has unveiled a bold strategy aimed at eliminating its carbon footprint while fostering sustainability among its operators, as announced at a recent industry event.

During the International Transport and Logistics Exhibition for Africa and the Mediterranean (Logismed), Port Decarbonization Director Amine Benyessef detailed the port’s dual environmental mission: achieving carbon neutrality in its operations and developing decarbonization services for partner companies.

“We’ve structured our strategy around four essential pillars: green electricity supply, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and circular economy management,” Benyessef stated during a panel discussion addressing the decarbonization challenges facing ports, transportation, and logistics.

Significant strides have already been made, with the port now operating on 100% renewable electricity through long-term purchase agreements. Several self-production projects are also underway to bolster its green energy capabilities.

Among the most notable achievements is the new infrastructure enabling ships to connect to green electricity while docked. The shore power system allows vessels to shut down their auxiliary engines during port calls, effectively eliminating emissions.

“This onshore power supply (OPS) system is currently operational across 800 meters of dockside and will soon expand to additional terminals and ferries,” Benyessef explained.

The World Port Climate Initiative advocates for the OPS strategy to mitigate the environmental impact of seagoing vessels in ports. This approach also addresses the adverse effects of auxiliary engines, including carbon dioxide and air pollutant emissions.

Such electrification is anticipated to become standard practice at ports globally by 2030, Benyessef noted.

The decarbonization efforts extend beyond the port itself. Miguel Troitiño, Regional Director of XPO Logistics Morocco, shared insights on how his company balances operational performance with environmental sustainability across its extensive network.

“We manage one million square meters of warehouses across Morocco, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, making us a significant consumer of goods and energy,” Troitiño said. His company emphasizes sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, focusing on optimizing vehicle loading and reducing empty kilometers.

XPO Logistics has implemented practical solutions, including increased utilization of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), replacement of energy-intensive lighting and equipment, and tandem road convoys to minimize CO2 emissions.

The Logismed exhibition runs until May 15 under the theme “Supply chain in Morocco: an industry serving competitiveness, sovereignty, and economic sophistication.”