Ports are one of the key players in the green maritime shift. Ports emissions constitutes other sources in addition to emissions from the vessels laying a long side the key. It is potentially a huge effect of port transition financing. It is more and more evident that the ports will be instrumental for this process. Common for all alternatives fuels is that they will require more frequent bunkering and that it will also require a much more diverse and granular infrastructure at shore. In addition, more traditional (energy)ports (import/export of oil/gas/coal) will gradually need to change their activities as these products are phased out.
Traditional green financing has generally focused on direct environmental investments such as shore power and alternative fuels. The more comprehensive transitions based on the more long-term and overall investments have traditionally had less focus. Such transitions will need to be supported by a broader specter of investments, investments that not necessary only are related to the environment and climate, but also will facilitate more general transitions following the changes in the industry.
KLP is the overseeing partner for the project. Additional partners are listed to the right. Additional contributors to the pilot project is: Port of Tromsø and Port of Hammerfest.
Goal of pilot project
With this pilot, KLP and the partners wish to bring forward a general framework for transition financing of ports.
- The goal for the pilot is to develop a framework that can be used by all relevant finance institutions.
- The framework shall form a template that contributes to give a reference for the criteria for future financing.
Status
The pilot started February 2022 – the goal is to deliver a conclusion by the end of this year. Several introduction meetings with KLP, the overseeing partner, the participating partners, DNV and the pilot coordinator have been carried out. Kick-off meeting for all participating partners and additionally two pilot meetings have been carried out.
April 2022
Ongoing work is related to developing the KPI’s and the performance indicators that will form the basis for the decisions for finance support.
September 2022
A preliminary framework was presented at the seminar for Ports of Norway on 8th September. The main objective was clarified and defined: Shift from today’s green object-based financing (a car / building / charging station) to a greener company investment culture (green company financing), provided that defined KPI’s are achieved for the company in question.
November 2022
In November, the model was tested with the development of a calculator allowing for testing of the methodology with practical examples. Using the calculator, three cases have been developed as examples of potential applications. The samples are part of the report for reference. Measuring the current situation and setting measuring targets for 2050 are now considered essential. The pilot work to finalize the project report and aim to call inn all pilot participants for a final review of the framework and the project report. The pilot goal is to deliver a conclusion by the end of 2022.
January 2023
An important contribution from the pilot is the model that provides a basis for a concrete emissions account. The model is based on experience from the Port of Kristiansand. Afterwards, it will be up to the lending institution to set the conditions, the “green interest rate”.
April 2023
The pilot study has been completed. The pilot has delivered a carrot-based system for green corporate financing, given that the set KPIs for the company are achieved.
Moving forward
KLP takes the framework into customer dialog. The framework can be used by ports and all financial players.
The results of the pilot were presented in an open mini-seminar in April 2023.