CO₂ Emission Accounting and Energy-saving Potential Analysis for Mobile Sources in Coastal Ports

¹ Shenhua & CHEC Dredging Co.,Ltd., Cangzhou 130900, China
² Environmental Technology Development of TIWTE (Tianjin) Co., Ltd, Tianjin 300000, China

^* Corresponding author's e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

In order to address the key issues of insufficient specificity and poor data adaptability in CO₂ emission accounting for mobile sources at ports, and to support the upgrading of port energy-saving technologies and renewable energy substitution projects, this paper constructs a standardized CO? emission accounting system tailored to the coastal port scenario. Through a systematic comparison of five mainstream accounting methods (Direct Measurement Method, Mass Balance Method, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Method, Input-Output Method, and Fuel Consumption Method)in terms of their adaptability to port scenarios, we identify the significant advantages of the Fuel Consumption Method in data availability, accounting efficiency,and suitability for energy-saving technology evaluation. This method is established as the core accounting method. Furthermore, the paper defines the physical accounting boundaries and builds a CO? emission accounting model that includes activity level data, industry-specific emission factors, and emission reduction technology correction factors. This study using a northern Chinese port area as a case , emission characteristics and energy-saving potential are analyzed. The results indicate that transport ships and port machinery are the primary emission sources, accounting for 89.68% of total emissions. The emissions intensity at the ore terminal is the highest (34.57 t CO?/kt), 5.20 times that of the container terminal. Self-unloading trucks and front-end loaders account 62.69% of port machinery emissions and are key reduction targets. The Fuel Consumption Method accurately quantifies the emission reduction effects of different energy-saving technologies and renewable energy substitution solutions, providing a standardized accounting tool for ports’ low-carbon transformation. This study provides core data support for the selection of energy-saving technologies and optimization of renewable energy substitution ratios at ports.