SGS certification for Vecon

Venice - Vecon Terminals is the first company in Italy and in the PSA Group to obtain ISO50001: 2011 certification for its energy management system. The certification follows the audit process by SGS Italy, accreditation agency of the Accredia network. The recognition is partly a response to a number of environmental stewardship milestones the terminal company reached last year. Not least, the arrival on 23 July, of components for the new mobile electric crane E-RTG (zero emission Rubber-Tyred Gantry); unique in Italy, the new crane will be operational in the coming months.

A major investment by PSA (€1.5 million), with a contribution from the Port of Venice (€400 000), is the construction project of a planned esplanade for two-way travel, of almost 400 metres long each. These new traffic lanes will be used for the transport of imported containers. The project will not only increase the capacity of the terminal and achieve greater speed of operations, but also reach zero emissions of harmful gases and greatly reduce noise pollution.

A great achievement, when you consider that the new crane will produce 16 pounds of CO2 per hour, compared with 59 waste products produced by the current diesel system, with an average annual reduction of 120,400 pounds of CO2 emitted - 73% less - which will also translate into major savings in fuel and running costs. The switchover will be completed next October, with the delivery of 2 Reach Stacker Kalmar worth about €750,000, with advanced technology in terms of emissions and energy saving.

In terms of safety, the investment will significantly reduce the number of vehicles in circulation within the operational areas. In turn, this will lower potential risks associated with high volume traffic. The improvements are part of the Safety and Environment Plan being implemented by Vecon, with some measures being carried out in collaboration with the Venice Port Authority.

These safety measures will continue in September, with the Green Campaign, which will involve terminal employees and will focus on the proper use of energy resources and the environment.