ISMDN partner UMT reviews decarbonisation plans at Lumut Port

On 19 August 2026, the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) research team visited Lumut Port, operated by Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd in Perak, to learn about its sustainability initiatives and its plans to reduce emissions from port operations.

Lumut Port aims to cut carbon emissions from its operations and within its boundaries by 45% by 2030, and its electricity and water use by 15%. Its 2025 sustainability dashboard reported 3,466 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in Scope 1 emissions and 1,717 tonnes in Scope 2, a total of 5,183 tonnes. Scope 1 emissions were below the annual plan; Scope 2 emissions were above it.

The port presented the measures behind its target. Five electric material handlers, three RHL 880 and two RHL 890 units, are being bought to replace diesel cargo handling, supported by fuel-consumption monitoring for the machinery that still runs on diesel. Shore power for tugboats at Lumut Terminal could, by the port's estimate, save up to 7,000 litres of fuel and about 20 tonnes of CO₂ a year, and shore power for vessels at Lumut Terminal 2 is under development. Rooftop solar, efficient lighting and equipment, digital documentation and an ESG performance dashboard complete the plan.

The visit gives ISMDN a second Malaysian port case, after Penang Port in June. The UMT team noted that, as electrification increases the port's electricity demand, measured energy use and emissions savings will be needed to show progress toward the 2030 target.

ISMDN is funded by Lloyd's Register Foundation and led by the University of Strathclyde, with nine partner institutions across eight countries. Organisations wishing to join the network can register at ismdn.org/register.