NCOS Green Button acknowledge for innovation and sustainable excellence

DHI Seaport are proud to celebrate NCOS ONLINE's Green Button being recognized with the Innovation Excellence award at the Infrastructure Partnerships Ausyralia National Infrastructure Awards 2025.

Global maritime transport emits approximately one billion tonnes of CO₂ every year. In 2024 alone, global maritime CO₂ emissions were estimated at approximately 973 million tonnes, an increase of 9.3% compared with 2019.

At the same time, increasing disruptions to global shipping are putting additional pressure on port operations. Between December 2023 and December 2024, average port waiting times increased by 23% to 6.4 hours in developed economies and by 7% to 10.9 hours in developing economies, driven in part by geopolitical disruptions, vessel rerouting and port-call reshuffling.

DHI Seaport’s multiple award-winning NCOS ONLINE Safe Transit System was designed to provide port communities with the foresight and flexibility to manage more resilient transit schedules and respond faster and more efficiently to sudden changes as they evolve, helping to reduce delays.

Our powerful Green Button technology was integrated into the Safe Transit Module in 2024, combining optimized just-in-time arrival planning with substantial potential fuel and carbon emissions savings. The technology builds on advanced physics-based modelling of ocean hydrodynamics and vessel response to identify more efficient vessel transit and arrival strategies.

The Green Button has been developed in collaboration with the Port of Brisbane, Maritime Safety Queensland and Poseidon Pilots, with support from Maersk Line and CMA CGM. The technology has already received significant industry recognition, receiving no fewer than four awards since its introduction in 2024.

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd Chief Executive Officer Neil Stephens said the first-of-its-kind trial had exceeded expectations:

“In early trials the technology showed positive results, outperforming its expected 10% emissions reduction per vessel. We’re continuing to explore the full potential of this technology to ensure functionality meets stakeholders’ requirements. More than ~2500 vessels call at the Port every year, presenting a unique opportunity for PBPL to assist our shipping line customers to potentially drive emissions reductions whilst their vessels are operating at the Port.” 

Neil Stephens, CEO, Port of Brisbane

As a global first mover in the adoption of Green Button technology, we look forward to following the Port of Brisbane’s success in reducing Scope 3 emissions and fuel costs associated with vessel operations in its port.

For more information about the Green Button, please see the following video interview hosted by Ports Australia. 

How vessel speed optimization is cutting port emissions