Peel Ports Group achieved a 48 per cent reduction in operational GHG emissions over the past five years.
These include sustainability, health and safety, employee development and community engagement.
Independently verified data confirm that Peel Ports has cut Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across its UK operations by 48 per cent compared with its 2020 baseline, based on a location-based accounting approach.
The Group’s achievements were recognised at the Mersey Maritime Awards in Liverpool, where it was named Net Zero Champion.
In addition to its substantial emissions reduction, Peel Ports delivered a series of other improvements during FY25.
Electricity consumption fell by 6.8 per cent, with overall energy use down 2.8 per cent compared with FY24.
The Group supported 125 apprenticeships, up from 85 the previous year, and reduced injury rates by 44 per cent since FY23. Employees completed 66,528 hours of training, averaging 33.6 hours per person.
Earlier in the year, the Group acquired five wind turbines at the Port of Liverpool, expected to generate around 6 gigawatt hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually to power port operations.
These turbines form part of a broader programme of renewable energy projects scheduled over the next 12 to 18 months, which are expected to lift the share of renewable electricity across the Group to one-third.
FY25 also saw the launch of TECH365, the Group’s new technology and automation strategy, led by Chief Information and Technology Officer Gavin Laybourne.
Supported by a multi-million-pound investment, the plan aims to optimise existing systems and harness new innovations to improve operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, the report sets out ambitious goals for further progress. The Group aims to achieve net-zero value chain (Scope 3) emissions by 2050, with short-term deliverables by 2030.
By the same year, it plans for 50 per cent of all energy supplied to ports and tenants to come from renewable sources.
The Group is also targeting zero pollution incidents and ‘zero harm’ in relation to personal injuries across operations by 2028.
Claudio Veritiero, Chief Executive Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “We take immense pride in the vital role we play in feeding, powering and building the nation, but our responsibility extends far beyond this.
“We’re equally focused on operating responsibly and investing sustainably – to further support UK trade and stimulate regional economic growth and job creation, all while lessening our environmental footprint. We’re encouraged by having achieved a remarkable 48 per cent reduction in operational carbon emissions over the last five years, and we’re well-placed to make more positive progress in the years to come.”
Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director, Port Services at Peel Ports Group, added: “Our drive to grow our business sustainably, while reducing our environmental impact and supporting our people, has not been without its challenges, but it is a goal which every one of our teams has fully taken on board.
“Along with the £1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) we have invested in sustainable infrastructure over the last decade, we continue to get closer to achieving that goal every day by working together responsibly. Being recognised as the Net Zero Champion at the Mersey Maritime Awards is a strong endorsement of the progress we have made and a testament to the great work of our teams.”
Recently, the Eastfloat Terminal at Birkenhead Port was revitalised through a £10 million ($13 million) redevelopment, strengthening the Mersey region’s critical maritime and logistics infrastructure.
