In a major step towards achieving net-zero emissions, the PSA Venice -Vecon container terminal has announced the implementation of a cutting-edge sustainability strategy with the adoption of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and the use of 100% renewable energy: this change not only reduces environmental impact but also sets a new standard for the port industry.
As of 1 February 2025, the PSA Venice -Vecon terminal has replaced the use of traditional diesel with HVO biofuel to power its yard equipment, including reach stackers, forklifts and heavy -duty tractors: the high-quality biofuel is 100% produced from renewable raw materials, including vegetable waste, residues, oils and waste from processing plant products or crops that do not compete with the food chain.
The environmental benefit is twofold: the transition to HVO has not entailed any changes to port equipment and testifies a concrete commitment to a circular economy and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
Greenhouse gas emissions were assessed based on a well-to-wheel approach, that considers the fuel’s full lifecycle, from production to use: the comparison of emissions according to the standards of Directive 2018/2001/EC highlights that the HVO used by PSA Venice -Vecon is able to achieve an 88.7% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional diesel. Furthermore, the new E-RTG electric cranes ordered in 2024 and scheduled for delivery in early 2026 will take over from the previous two RTGs that are still powered by traditional diesel and that are being phased out.
Alongside introducing HVO, as of December 2024, the PSA Venice-Vecon terminal has implemented the supply of 100% green energy from renewable wind sources that are GO certified, achieving a 100% decrease in CO2 emissions from energy consumption, concretely and tangibly showing its commitment to environmental sustainability, beyond the mere power supply of the port vehicles.
‘These results show that operational efficiency can go hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability,’ emphasised Daniele Marchiori, General Manager of PSA Venice-Vecon. ‘Our container terminal stands as a role model for the port and logistics sector, while also aiming to inspire other industries to adopt similar practices to reduce emissions and proving that being environmentally committed is not only feasible but can also be an integral part of a company’s business model, without compromising its operational performance’.
‘Right from the word go we have sought to achieve the goal of finding a balance between port activities and the environment,’ stated Fulvio Lino Di Blasio, President of AdSP MAS. ‘One of the means to achieve this goal has been the implementation of a new energy market liberalisation strategy for terminal operators, acting directly on the electricity grid and on PoD turnarounds. An investment of around 2.5 M€ to renovate and upgrade power lines and substations has allowed our organisation to finally enable terminal operators to purchase energy on the free market: on the one hand this favours the efficiency of one of the most important cost items for ports, while on the other hand it acts as a driving force for the use of green energy in the port.
PSA Italy operates in Genoa and Venice in the terminals of PSA Genova Prà, PSA SECH and PSA VENICE – Vecon, for a total of more than 2 million TEUs handled each year and over 1,000 people directly employed in Italy. https://www.psaitaly.com/
PSA Italy is part of PSA International (PSA), a market-leading port group and trusted partner for freight operators. PSA’s global network includes operations in more than 170 locations in 45 countries worldwide, with 66 port, rail and inland terminals, as well as associated distripark, warehousing, maritime and digital service operations. PSA actively cooperates with international customers and partners to supply world-class port services and develop innovative cargo solutions. As a partner of choice in the global supply chain, PSA is ‘The World’s Port of Call’.
The North Adriatic Sea Port System Authority (AdSPMAS), which includes the ports of Venice and Chioggia, was established by Decree Law no. 169 of 4 August 2016.
The North Adriatic Sea Port System Authority is a non-economic public body, whose task is to direct, plan, coordinate, promote and control port operations. It carries out the maintenance of common parts and the seabed, supervises the provision of services of general interest, exclusively administers state-owned areas and assets, and plans the development of the port area. It also coordinates administrative activities implemented by public bodies in the port area and promotes connections with the back-of-the-port and inter-port logistics systems. In order to increase the throughput in the Port of Venice, the North Adriatic Sea Port System Authority assesses the international economic context, current and potential areas of influence, and the state of the port infrastructure. Its actions are integrated with the planning tools and guidelines of other public institutions, from the European Union to local authorities.