What is the PRL?
‘Port Readiness Level for Marine Fuels’ (PRL-MF) is a self-assessment framework (and associated tool) to accelerate shipping’s decarbonisation by making low and zero carbon fuels available at ports. The PRL was (loosely) based on the Technology Readiness Levels created by NASA, and outlines the nine stages that a port must go through before it’s bunker operators can bunker vessels using new fuels.
The first three levels concern the research phase, the next three levels address the development phase and the last three levels speak to the deployment phase:
- Research Phase (PRL-MFs 1-3): The goal of the research phase is to determine the relevancy of the fuel for the port and its stakeholders. This phase will help to identify information gaps, determine pros and cons, and ascertain the interest of port stakeholders.
- Development Phase (PRL-MFs 4-6): The goal of the development phase is to make strategic decisions about implementation, create a guiding framework based on assessments and testing, and run a pilot test for the target fuel.
- Deployment Phase (PRL-MFs 7-9): This phase includes scaling-up operations, beginning with a project-based approach and growing into a systems approach that will create a regular port operation.
This framework is designed to be fuel agnostic and will create an ‘apples-to-apples’ baseline for global communication about the options available for vessels using low and zero carbon fuels. The PRL can also be used for port calls by vessels using low carbon fuels and will be applied to marine fuels as cargo in the future.
The PRL is available in two forms (a downloadable PDF and an online tool) and consists of a set of guidelines that ports can follow. Given variations in how individual ports work around the world, not all of the guidelines will be relevant to every organisation. This is why we have a single “aim” for each level, which makes it easier for an individual port to recognise when they have achieved a level.
The tool is a living document that will be regularly updated to reflect user feedback.
Why should I generate a PRL?
The PRL is a valuable asset for ports, shipping and wider maritime stakeholders to bridge the gaps between current fuels/operations and the low or zero carbon marine fuels/operations of the future. The PRL will help ports and their community stakeholders to assess their current ability to supply future fuels and identify any gaps that would benefit from support (including finance, policy, infrastructure, training etc). Furthermore, gathering the data to generate a PRL will help a port identify which stakeholders should be a part of this process and provide the opportunity to generate buy-in. Examples of these stakeholders include governments, first responders, private sector financiers and more.
Most importantly, generating a PRL will allow clear and effective communication about a port’s current status and its ambitions for the future, which can help to prevent stranded assets by de-risking investments by all stakeholders. It creates a one stop portal for clear communication about which fuels will be available along a future timeline.
The PRL can be used to
- Initiate dialogue within the port community and with external stakeholders about the transition to future fuels.
- Increase fuel availability, develop safety standards and port infrastructure to support future fuels.
- Allocate resources and strategies
- Ensure appropriate governance
- Communicate with stakeholders about the port's readiness for alternative fuels.
By using the PRL, ports can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and attract new business from shipping lines and bunker suppliers. Additionally, stakeholders can make informed decisions when investing in fuel production, ships, equipment, planning, routes, green corridors, and more.