Our commitment to air quality
Dublin Port Company is committed to reducing emissions and protecting air quality for people who live, work and spend time around the port, as well as for the wider environment. Air quality has been monitored in and around the port since 2014, and the results show a clear and sustained improvement over that period.
Alongside monitoring, Dublin Port Company continues to invest in practical measures to reduce emissions from port operations, shipping and road traffic, while supporting the delivery of vital international trade.
Air quality monitoring and results
The most recent monitoring, carried out in 2024 at 22 locations in Dublin Port, confirms the positive long‑term trends recorded across the port and surrounding areas.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels across the monitoring network continue to improve. Since 2021, monitoring at nearby residential locations outside the port has recorded values well below the EU annual limit value. Typical results in 2024 ranged from 17.05 µg/m³ to 18.36 µg/m³, compared with the EU limit of 40 µg/m³.
Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations remain low and within statutory limits at all monitored locations. In 2024, results were well below the annual limit value, with the highest recorded level representing just 16% of the limit.
BTEX compounds, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, remain low and well below relevant health‑based limits. Average benzene levels in 2024 were comparable with previous years, and the highest result represented 11% of the annual limit value.
Particulate matter and dust monitoring shows continued compliance with legislative limits for fine particulates (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅). Depositional dust levels, which include larger particles, remain below the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended guideline for nuisance dust.
Overall, air quality in and around Dublin Port continues to meet regulatory requirements, with many measured values significantly below statutory limits.
Understanding emissions at the port
Independent research helps place monitoring results in context and inform practical actions. This includes the EPA‑funded PortAIR project, which examined air pollutants associated with ports.
One Dublin Port case study found that shipping contributes a proportion of particulate matter in the port area, alongside a range of other sources such as road traffic and background urban emissions. These findings underline the importance of targeted measures, including shore‑to‑ship power, cleaner marine fuels and more efficient port operations.
Reducing emissions from ships
Shipping emissions are regulated at international level under MARPOL Annex VI, which sets limits on sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and other pollutants. A global fuel sulphur cap has applied since January 2020.
Dublin Port Company supports compliance with these standards by facilitating access to compliant fuels, delivering shore‑to‑ship power infrastructure, improving berth allocation and vessel turnaround times, and supporting monitoring, enforcement and reporting. As regulations tighten and technology improves, emissions per vessel continue to reduce.
Shore to ship power
Dublin Port Company is progressing the infrastructure needed to allow vessels to connect to the electricity grid while at berth and switch off their engines. This includes major electrical works in the North Port, delivered in collaboration with ESB and aligned with the Dublin Port Masterplan 2040.
Permitted projects, including the ABR and MP2 Projects, together with the proposed 3FM Project, will provide the infrastructure required for shore‑to‑ship power. When operational, these systems will significantly reduce emissions from berthed vessels and further improve local air quality.
Reducing emissions through energy management
Dublin Port Company operates a structured energy management programme focused on reducing energy use and emissions across port activities. The company has been certified to the ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard since 2017 and continues to optimise the performance of operational assets.
Key measures that also support improved air quality include the use of shoreside electricity for pilotage and towage services at berth, the transition of pilot boats from marine gas oil to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), upgrading highmast lighting to energy‑efficient LED systems, installation of onsite solar photovoltaic generation, and the progressive replacement of diesel vehicles with battery electric alternatives.
Cleaner vehicles and freight movements
On land, Dublin Port Company is upgrading its engineering fleet to fully electric vehicles and has installed electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the Port Estate. Charging is managed to maximise the use of surplus renewable electricity generated on site.
To reduce emissions from freight traffic, Dublin Port is working with hauliers to support the rollout of lower‑emission alternatives. Road upgrades delivered through the Internal Roads Project, and those proposed as part of the 3FM Project, improve traffic flow, reduce stop‑start driving and move heavy goods vehicle movements further from nearby residential areas.
Working with tenants and partners
Dublin Port Company works closely with tenants and partners to reduce emissions across the Port Estate. This includes supporting transitions to cleaner fuels and more efficient technologies in energy‑intensive operations.
What this means for local communities
Air quality monitoring shows clear and sustained improvements since 2014, with continued compliance with statutory limit values for all measured pollutants. Monitoring at locations outside the port area records low levels of key pollutants, often well below EU limit values.
Dublin Port Company will continue to monitor air quality, invest in cleaner technologies and work with regulatory, academic and industry partners to reduce emissions. Through these actions, the company aims to support essential trade while protecting air quality for neighbouring communities and the wider environment.