Port of Salalah leads the way with innovative water solution

MUSCAT, APRIL 21

The Port of Salalah is taking bold steps to combat freshwater scarcity through an innovative approach that is reshaping the maritime industry. Partnering with Maersk, the port has embarked on a pioneering project to optimise the use of freshwater generator systems aboard cargo ships, harnessing waste heat energy to distill seawater and produce potable water. According to APM Termnials — which holds a 30% stake in the Port operating company Salalah Port Services — what sets this initiative apart is the strategic storage of excess water in tank containers during voyages, which is then delivered to the port upon berthing, transforming a previously underutilised resource into a sustainable water supply. With two tanks optimised and strategically positioned on board, they can be filled with fresh water during an average sea voyage between two ports, totaling a capacity of 50,000 litres.

Freshwater scarcity is a mounting global challenge, with Unicef reporting that nearly four billion people, almost two-thirds of the world's population, experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year. The implications of water scarcity are far-reaching, affecting not only access to drinking water but also sanitation, agriculture, and overall economic development. As populations grow and climate change intensifies, the urgency of finding innovative solutions to address water scarcity becomes increasingly evident.

At the Port of Salalah, the project's impact goes beyond ensuring water availability for port operations. A key aspect of the initiative is its potential to support communities facing water scarcity challenges worldwide. By tapping into the excess freshwater generated by cargo ships, the port is not only addressing its own water needs but also demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility.

The recent success of the project has been bolstered by a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study conducted by the Danish Technical University. The study not only validated the project's environmental benefits but also highlighted its efficiency compared to traditional water delivery methods. This validation underscores the potential of the initiative to not only address freshwater scarcity but also set a new standard for sustainable water management practices in the maritime sector.

Salalah Port CEO Keld M Christensen, a staunch advocate for sustainability at the port, emphasises the broader implications of the project. "While committed to decarbonising operations at Salalah by 2040, we also recognise that sustainability is not only about decarbonising supply chains but also protecting our environment and its finite resources," he states.

“With thousands of vessel calls each year at the Port of Salalah, this pilot opens the door for many more vessels to replicate this system and create an incredibly large supply of fresh water not only here in Jordan, but across the world, wherever it’s needed,” he added.

With a firm commitment to environmental conservation and a vision for a more water-secure future, the Port of Salalah's pioneering project serves as a testament to the transformative power of innovation and cooperation in addressing global challenges.