National Energy

NATIONAL ENERGY ANCHORED IN SUSTAINABILITY

Petrochemical Vessel loading at National Energy’s Savonetta Pier 3, Point Lisas. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

Sustainable Business Magazine speaks to Michelle Scipio-Hosang, Vice President of Port and Estate Management at National Energy, about how it is cleaning up its port activities by implementing innovative technological solutions. Written by Glen Westall ANCHORED IN SUSTAINABILITY

National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (National Energy) is a state-owned enterprise focused on the development of sustainable energy sourc- es and industries in Trinidad and Tobago. The Company was established in 1979 to monetize the country’s natural gas resources through the production of commodities such as methanol and urea. Over time, sustainable resource development and technology have remained at the forefront of its focus. Michelle Scipio-Hosang, Vice President of Port and Estate Management, elaborates on how the Company has evolved over its 45-year journey:

“A key area of the Company’s mandate is the design, construction, and operation of ports and industrial estates that support large- scale, hydrocarbon-based plants. We currently support most of the methanol, ammonia, urea, and iron & steel plants in Trinidad and Tobago. So, over the last four decades, we have developed port infrastructure to facilitate the export of these commodities.” “As a result, National Energy owns and operates three port facilities: a general cargo port; an integrated petrochemical and commodity port for exporting ammo- nia, urea, methanol, and iron & steel; and an upstream energy port that provides support

Ms. Michelle Scipio Hosang, Vice President Vice President of Port and Estate Management. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

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National Energy’s Solar powered Signage at its Head Office, Brechin Castle, Couva, Trinidad & Tobago. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

for offshore oil and gas operations. These are formally known as the Port of Bright- on-Berth 3 at La Brea, Savonetta Piers and ISCOTT Dock at Point Lisas, and the Port of Galeota. To support the ports, we operate a fleet of tugboats, a passenger launch, and an offshore supply vessel. We provide approximately 80% of the harbor towage across Trinidad and Tobago.” “However, I can say that at our core, National Energy exists to develop Trinidad and Tobago’s energy resources. Other than the Port & Estate Division the organization’s structure also includes a Sustainable Energy Development Division that conceptualizes and develops sustainable energy-based

industries. It looks at energy sources other than oil and natural gas. Although we started working with fossil fuels, over the last 15 years, we’ve adjusted our focus based on the evolving global environment impacted by the effects and consequences of climate change. That realization guided us from just oil and natural gas downstream energy development into sustainable alternatives as well.” “The Sustainable Energy Development Division is currently looking at renewable and alternative energy sources, as well as exploring ways to improve energy efficiency within the industry.” While it continues investing in both hydrocarbon and sustainable energy, the

increasing importance of renewable and alternative resources has laid out a clear path for National Energy’s future.. ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP Nowhere is this new direction clearer than in the organization’s relationship with its supply chain and customers, where National Energy has made big strides toward sustainability. “We have been steering in the direction of sustainable operations for several years now,” says Ms. Scipio-Hosang. “As we pro- gress along that journey, we are looking at our supply chain from two directions. From the services that we provide to our clients, and from the products and services that we use.

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National Energy Resilience, IMO Tier 3-Compliant Tugboat on the move in Pt Lisas Harbour. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

National Energy 2023 Award from AMCHAM Trinidad & Tobago for National Excellence in HSE 2023. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

“We have developed a carbon reduc- tion policy framework across the entire NGC Group that contains a road map towards sustainability. This now influences how and why we procure goods and services. We’ve also registered with EcoPorts to become certified through its scheme.” HARNESSING THE COMMUNITY Alongside its commitment to environmental sustainability, National Energy is also invest- ed in social and community sustainability through ongoing initiatives that benefit the people of Trinidad and Tobago. “In 2023 and 2024, National Ener- gy held an Energy Sustainability Debate Competition among secondary schools on the island where students debated over the value and means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” explains Ms. Scipio-Hosang. “They debated the merits of becoming sustainable and won prizes for their winning arguments. We saw this as a broad and structured approach, and as an initiative that would stimulate the future generation to think about the issues and solutions from now. The Competition won the 2023 Amer- ican Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) Outstanding OSH and Environment Project Award in the

“For example, in 2021, we ordered an IMO Tier 3-compliant tugboat that reduces emissions by 80% and have since ordered two additional similar vessels. In so doing, we are trying to make sure that we’re having a positive impact on our clients’ scope three emissions. We are also in discussions about converting our existing vessels into methanol-powered crafts. To do that, we’re working with the local methanol providers. As such, there is a long list of projects we have in the pipeline but those are two that are well underway.” “We have audited our operations to determine where our baseline emissions levels are, and what opportunities exist to improve them. Now, we are rolling out those solutions, such as the new tugboats and the possible methanol-powered tug conversion, and other solutions derived from the recommendations of a GHG Inven- tory and Carbon Reduction Strategy report completed in 2023. “At the other end, we’re looking at how to reduce our scope one emissions. We’ve started assessing how we can acquire as many of the products and services we re- quire locally. There are some challenges with this because we have to balance emissions impact against price and quality. Additionally, in certain instances, we can only find what we need from international suppliers.”

“We are also integrating sustainability into our supply chains by encouraging all our suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. To do that, we’ve developed sustainability councils that include key suppliers and stakeholders so that we can all work togeth- er. Although we’re all at different places, we support each other and learn from one another on the journey to become net zero operators. It’s important to us that we don’t just cut off suppliers who don’t meet our current requirements, but rather work with them to reduce our overall greenhouse gas footprint and become more sustainable.”

National Energy’s 2024 Secondary School Debate Winner, Vessigny Secondary School Students with Teacher receive the winning prize from National Energy’s President, Dr. Vernon Paltoo. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

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Environment Category. This was our 2nd consecutive win of this prestigious Award. In 2022, our REnewable Minds Portal, which focuses on increasing education and awareness of climate action and energy sus- tainability among primary school students, copped the Award title.” “National Energy also conducts seminars where we invite industry experts to present perspectives on sustainability, and how we can all contribute to actions to mitigate climate change. The most recent one held looked at agriculture and the technologies being used within that sector to reduce

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Solar-powered Recycling Hub at National Energy’s Port of Galeota. Courtesy Ports & Terminal Operations Department- Port of Galeota.

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Left: National Energy’s Sustainable Energy Development (SED) Agrivoltaics Webinar 2024. Courtesy National Energy SED Division.

that supplied the compactor has proposed taking non-recyclable plastics to a manufac- turer who can turn them into items such as park benches.”“A member of our admin- istrative staff recently put forward a case for National Energy to assess the cleaning products we use. She questioned whether we could use more environmentally friendly cleaning products and items that improved overall air quality around the ports. That was something we then evaluated, researched, and implemented. This is an excellent ex- ample of how we’re harnessing our internal community to improve our sustainability.” “Another project that came from a staff member related to the manner in which trucks waited at the entrance to our Galeota port. While at our gates, they sometimes have to wait before they are required at the berth, and in the past, they’d just run their engines during that time. What we did was we re-routed a part of the road network and created a truck stop so they didn’t have to wait at the side of the road. We now have a place where the drivers can wait in comfort and not have to run their engines continu- ously. The truck lay-by area has a dedicat- ed access point that separates them from all other traffic. That traffic re-routing project improved the situation not just for the drivers, but for our other customers while at the same time, reducing the emissions from that site.” “Lastly, I’d also love to highlight our coastal restoration work. We recognized that part of the port had started to erode, and if left unchecked, areas of the port

emissions, while becoming more sustainable at the same time. It’s important that we don’t only focus on our internal activities but invite partners and stakeholders in our communi- ties to share their experiences with us.” “We also take our Corporate Social Re- sponsibility portfolio seriously and support community-driven sustainability initiatives e.g. we recently installed solar hydroponic systems in two secondary schools within our fence line. Community-driven sustainability projects that are in our fence line areas are given key consideration for partnerships.” “National Energy’s community ap- proach is inward-focused as well. There are integrated performance incentives directed towards our employees to encourage more sustainable and innovative practices.”

“Every year members of the Port & Estate Division are encouraged to find a sustainability project to develop,” Ms. Scipio-Hosang says. “Each year we also have performance plans and one of the mandatory objectives is that the employ- ees participate in a minimum number of sustainability sessions. In 2025, we intend to include a mandatory performance objective requiring staff to develop their own sus- tainability project that could be considered for implementation. These projects would support their performance assessment. An outcome of this strategy is that we now have a waste management system that uses a solar waste compactor. This acquisition has resulted in a reduction in the quantity of plastics that go to landfills. The vendor

Above: Ariel view of Port of Galeota Rock Revetment Project upon completion.Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

Ms. Michelle Scipio Hosang, Vice President Vice President of Port and Estate Management. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

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NATIONAL ENERGY - TRINIDAD

“We have very high ambitions for what we’re working towards. Across the globe, sustainable operation is be- coming the default position, and we believe National Energy can become a model port operator for that.”

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National Energy’s President Dr. Vernon Paltoo presents at the Trinidad & Tobago Energy Chamber Sustainable Energy Conference 2024 at Hilton, Trinidad and Tobago. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

tion, and where we have already reached on this journey.” One important tool which National Energy has in its pocket is its membership with the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC). “We joined PMAC in early 2024 and it has been truly helpful,” the Vice President says. “Already, we have been asked to lead one of its committees based on our special- ized port expertise, so we’ve been able to contribute from the very beginning.” “What really stands out is the training that PMAC offers. We have taken note of the range of courses available to members that aligns with our sustainability goals, and we have already scheduled staff to participate. We firmly believe these courses will have a positive impact on improving our understanding and appreciation of the opportunities for growth and development National Energy’s Vice President Ports & Estate Management, Ms. Michelle Scipio-Hosang presents at the Trinidad & Tobago Energy Chamber Sustainable Energy Conference 2024 at Hilton, Trinidad and Tobago. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

would be compromised. As such, we carried out works to reverse the impact of coastal erosion, making it safer for oper- ations, as well as protecting the coastline itself. It was our first coastal protection project, and we won industry recognition and an award for that work.” STRATEGIC PRIORITY Ms. Scipio-Hosang makes it clear that sustainability is a core part of National Energy’s future: “We have very high ambitions for what we’re working towards. Across the globe, sustainable operation is becoming the default position, and we believe National Energy can become a model port operator for that. There’s a very short window for us to get there, as well as penalties if we don’t, but we believe we can reach our targets and lead the way based on our resources, loca-

National Energy’s Chairman Dr. Joseph Ishmael Khan rides a trike (three-wheeled bicycle) system used for short-haul operations around the port at the Port of Galeota facilities, Trinidad. Courtesy National Energy Corporate Communications.

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NATIONAL ENERGY - TRINIDAD

National Energy’s Manager Ports & Terminal Operations, Mr. Nigel Woodsley pose with the panel upon completion of the panel discussion on Sustainable Adaptation at Ports at PMAC 27th Annual General Meeting, June 2024, Suriname. Courtesy PMAC Website.

that exist. Therefore, we expect PMAC to be a very helpful partner as we go forward with the implementation of our carbon reduction strategy.” Ms. Scipio-Hosang goes on to illustrate some of the steps National Energy expects to take in the near future: “We launched two projects in 2024 that will help us with that strategy. One is a low-carbon bunker hub, which involves two other state companies and is sup- ported by Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. A major issue with transitioning to cleaner fuels is the question of how and where a ship will be able to get low-carbon bunkers, so this hub will be set up to support the supply of transition fuels. The other project is an integrated intermodal transport service to

seamlessly bridge gaps and consolidate cargo. This is special for the offshore oil and gas industry because every company has its own vessels and transport arrange- ments, and there is a lot of duplication. By creating this network of transport services, we can share resources and reduce the number of vessels, trucks, and helicopters that are carrying partial loads.” “All of these initiatives are part of our ambitions to become a model smart and sustainable port. It is a strategic priority for us. In fact, our Board has extensive expertise in these matters and is also pro- viding key direction as we progress along this path. We are using an agile approach to building a sustainable future, so we are applying the learnings and making changes while we work on our master plan.” c

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