The EXEED process was implemented at the Port of Cork, identifying several areas for energy savings. The LED lighting upgrade alone drastically reduced the level of electricity consumed at the Port.

  • 146,457 KWH

    projected savings per year in Electrical Consumption

  • 77.9 Tonnes

    of CO2 per year in reduced GHG (Greenhouse gas) emissions

Background

The Port of Cork is the world’s second largest natural harbour and is a key international gateway for trade. It is one of only two ports in Ireland to service all six shipping modes - lift on/ lift off, roll on/ roll off, liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk and cruise.

The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) is a commercial semi-state company responsible for the broad range of commercial running of Cork harbour as well as the navigation and berthage in the port. In 2020, the Port of Cork Company reported a traffic throughput of 10.5 million tonnes. While it has a direct workforce is 150 staff, it supports thousands of jobs through indirect employment through warehouses, hauliers and shipping agents.

PoCC are committed to lead the wider port community to minimise environmental impacts and ensure energy efficiency through co-ordinated environmental management, reducing CO2 emissions and conserving natural resources respecting the principles of environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

The Project

In May 2015, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission to the Port of Cork for the redevelopment of existing port facilities at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

This redevelopment was necessary to allow the Port of Cork to overcome the existing physical constraints in handling larger vessels and to adapt to the changing nature of port activities, including the trend towards port-centred logistics. Being able to accommodate larger vessels is vital for the Port of Cork to remain competitive and future proof Cork as an international gateway for trade.

The Port of Cork engaged with SEAI on the EXEED programme.

EXEED Process

The Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) process identified several areas where energy savings could be made:

  • Proposed lighting which comprised of high mast lighting, and perimeter lights
  • Increased metering - this would also highlight further energy reductions that could be made across the ferry terminal
  • Cold-ironing, where berthed ships use grid electricity instead of relying on diesel generators to maintain power (saving clients money and reducing pollution from diesel generators).

The EXEED process also fed into the site’s ISO50001 system, with opportunities identified feeding into the site’s 'Register of energy savings opportunities'.

The Port of Cork is committed achieving its ISO 14001 objectives and targets, as well as contributing to Public Sector energy consumption targets. Participation in the EXEED certified programme demonstrates this commitment to sustainability, by optimising the organisations energy performance and reducing their carbon emissions.

Getting the EXEED certification for the port development confirmed that the Energy Efficient Design approach was worthwhile. The new facility will be around for many years and the Port wants to ensure that the design and future operation are efficient as possible. The steps put in place now ensure that this vision will become a reality.

Results

  • Reduced electrical energy consumption from high efficiency LED lighting for High Mast Lighting systems with H/M/L zoning
  • Reduced electrical energy consumption from Reduction in Ferry Terminal Baseload
  • Improved air quality, reduced noise pollution and reduced CO2 emissions from cold-ironing due to ships auxiliary engines being turned off while berthed

What's next?

Ongoing metering and performance measurement of new SCs (Straddle Carriers - lifting equipment) and comparison with older SCs will provide insight into further potential energy savings during lifting, i.e. regeneration.

Provision has been made for the integration of water metering in the building energy management system (BEMS) to identify opportunities for reduction in water consumption.

The EXEED process also identified Solar PV opportunities For Port of Cork and final feasibility assessments are due to be completed in the near future.

Find out more about EXEED (opens in a new tab)