Bristol Port bolsters green credentials with investment in electric vehicles

Published: Tuesday 28th January 2020

Bristol Port has further reinforced its green credentials by investing in new electric vehicles and associated charging points.

Staff are now able to move around the Port estate using four zero-emission eVans and two eBikes, which promote cleaner air quality and provide a sustainable means of travel.

This first stage of converting the Port fleet to electric vehicles will see four diesel fuelled Ford Connect vans replaced, with new zero emission e-NV200 Nissan vans.  The investment includes the installation of electric charging points at both Avonmouth and Portbury Docks, and new state-of-the-art air quality monitors.  Together the package of measures contribute towards Bristol Port’s Air Quality Strategy which is currently being developed, building upon the Port’s proven track record of implementing environmentally friendly initiatives. The Port derives approximately 35% of its electricity from the three 2-megawatt wind turbines on Avonmouth Dock, and continues to take significant steps to be more energy efficient. 

Shipping in itself is by far the most energy efficient means of moving large volumes of freight compared to other transport modes and ports provide energy efficient multimodal transport.

Anne Hayes, Environment Manager at the Port said: “The future is green for Bristol Port. The newly acquired electric vans will promote sustainable travel around the docks. The new quiet vans are fully electric and produce zero harmful emissions. The Port is in the process of installing dedicated twin charging points at both Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks. We are grateful to North Somerset Council for providing contributory funding towards these charging points under the “Go Ultra Low” scheme.  This has helped us to make an essential first step in our transition to a zero emission fleet.” Anne continued to say “Joining the new vans will be two e-bikes that the Port has secured with the help of funding from Travelwest and Bristol City Council.  These pool e-bikes will provide a sustainable means for staff to travel around Avonmouth and Portbury Docks, not only helping to reduce our emissions and carbon footprint, but importantly promoting health and well-being for our employees”.

Bristol Port is preparing its first Air Quality Strategy which will set out long-term plans to reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases within the Port Estate, helping to safeguard public health and protecting the environment.  The development of the Strategy gives Bristol Port the opportunity to build on existing environmental initiatives; to continue to make further reductions in emissions from port operations; and work in partnership with others to contribute to clean air initiatives in the wider Bristol and North Somerset area.

Click here to learn more about the environment work at Bristol Port.

 https://www.bristolport.co.uk/about-us/environment