Sustainability of logistics infrastructures: operational and technological alternatives to reduce the impact on air quality

Modern ports are productive systems characterized by transport-type activities (of goods and people) and by activities typically related to the sectors of industry, construction, commerce and related services. Despite their fundamental role in the economic and social development of the local area, ports also have a negative impact on the environment. This paper analyses the effect on the air quality of a maritime container terminal by assessing the typical activities carried out there. Five scenarios were studied using an EMEP/EEE (2019) bottom-up air pollutant inventory approach and through air quality numerical simulations with the ADMS-5 model. Changes in the layout of where the activities are carried out, the use of cold ironing, and the use of LNG as a fuel are the scenarios compared with the "BASE" condition. The results highlighted the improved air quality due to each solution, demonstrating how the use of alternative fuels or the electrification of the docks reduces pollutants by more than 70-80%. Delocalizing some of the handling was found to have fewer benefits. Economic factors and the engagement of key stakeholders would seem to influence the diffusion of these solutions.