Nanjing port has started a second round of renovation on eight of its rubber-tyre gantries in an attempt to reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions. The first batch of eight was completed last year, switching the supply of power from fuel to electricity.

The port claims that the renovation work yielded a saving of Rmb1.2m on fuel and Rmb350,000 on maintenance in 2009. It also reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 900 tons, and those of sulphur dioxide by 2.8 tons and dust by 0.3 tons, thus creating a greener work environment.

Senior managers plan to modify the remaining 14 RTGs by the end of 2011. Experts believe that by the time the entire renovation project is completed, the port will save 1,800 tons of standard coal a year and the cost savings on fuel alone will reach Rmb4.5m. The reduction of carbon emissions will total 4,000 tons and that of sulphur dioxide 12 tons.