Recently, the COP26 provided the world with a wake-up call, in terms of the work that still needs to be done to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in the years ahead and to slow the impact of global warming and climate change.
This year I have endorsed our Group Sustainability Committee to drive new policies and to lead our strategic goal to reduce emissions across our global operations. The group is committed to building a greener environment in the maritime sector targeting a significant reduction in total CO2 emissions by 2030.
We have already made a commitment that all future internal tractors purchased from 2024 onwards must be powered by non-fossil fuel alternative energy such as electricity or hydrogen. Even before then, by January 2024, at least 20 percent of any proposed purchase of internal tractors in the group will be battery powered. More recently, we are also taking delivery of the first consignment of 48 electric tractors and 17 emission free remote-control electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes, which will be operating at the Port of Felixstowe in the UK next year.
Another high priority item in the agenda is the health and wellbeing of our workforce. We have recently launched our ‘BEWELL’ campaign to strengthen our company’s occupational health and safety efforts to improve the physical health and mental wellbeing of our employees.
While we are working vigorously to create a green sustainable future, we will surely continue to tackle the challenges we face in our business to ensure its long-term sustainability. I have witnessed our staff’s dedication and hard work over these years, and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts in ensuring the sustainability of our business on all fronts.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a happy new year.
Eric Ip
Group Managing Director
Hutchison Ports