PORT Authority of NSW has joined the Blue Visby Consortium, which aims to reduce international shipping carbon emissions by potentially 15%.

Port Authority of NSW CEO Philip Holliday said Blue Visby provides a platform that optimises ships’ arrival times at their destination, eliminating the practice of “sail fast, then wait”. The platform can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, he said.

“Supporting the Blue Visby Consortium by participating in this pilot program for visiting ships to the Port of Newcastle reinforces our commitment to working collaboratively with the maritime and shipping sector on a global solution to reduce carbon emissions,” Mr Holliday said.

He said PANSW manages the efficient movement of shipping in and out of NSW ports through its pilotage, port management system and vessel traffic services.

“While we are very proud of the efficiency benefits of our own port management system, by joining this pilot program we will be helping the development of a system that could see the reduction of shipping emissions along the entirety of a ship’s voyage, which can be thousands of nautical miles,” he said.

Mr Holliday said Blue Visby comprises of various components, including advanced digital technology and a new algorithm to arrival times for groups of vessels travelling to the same port, thereby enabling vessels to reduce their speed and emissions without losing their scheduled arrival time order.

“Essentially, this is achieved by analysing several factors, including the performance of each ship together with conditions such as weather and congestion at the destination. It also relies on stakeholders working together through the sharing of information,” he said.

“We are already embedding sustainability measures across Port Authority and have set the ambitious target to achieve 75% reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and be Net Zero by 2040, as well as to collaborate and partner with key stakeholders to investigate ways to reduce our Scope 3 emissions.”

The Blue Visby Consortium comprises more than 30 organisations worldwide and is led by Finnish maritime technology firm Napa Oy and London-based maritime law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP.