The Green Evolution of Ghana’smaritme Ports - Impacts From Road Haulage Truck Emissions

The research was to estimate the level of gaseous emissions from haulage vehicles that do business at the Port of Tema in Ghana, which is a critical component in its quest to be recognized as a green port. The work considered the vehicle related factor of age distribution; and travel related factors of engine operating mode, speed level and speed variation that significantly influence the quantity of pollutants emitted from vehicles. Sixty percent of the population of vehicles doing business in the port were sampled and their ages determined based on their format of vehicle registration numbers. To estimate the travel related factors, focus group discussions were conducted with haulage vehicle operators to assess their views about haulage on the Harbour Road. The study highlighted that the mode age of the sampled trucks was one year whilst the mean was eight years. Comparing this to international standards, the Port of Tema was found not doing badly in its efforts to be recognized as a green port. It was also found out that in either case of heavy traffic or less traffic, the truck operators‟ conduct amounted to considerable exhaust emission. As such, the research pointed out the need for the Port Authorities to calve a niche objective relating to further reduction of pollution from haulage vehicles that would inspire collaboration with Road Authorities to put in place suitable mechanisms or regulations on the use of overage vehicles and the prevention of overspeeding.