Advanced air quality monitoring at the port of Le Havre

Customer: HAROPA PORT in collaboration with Atmo Normandie

Country: France

Application: Air quality monitoring

The need

The Port of Le Havre, managed by HAROPA PORT, is a key logistics center in Europe and one of the busiest industrial port areas in France. However, intense maritime, industrial and land-based activities generate emissions that impact air quality, affecting both the environment and the health of workers and neighboring communities. To alleviate this problem, HAROPA PORT has developed a sustainable development strategy that includes improving environmental monitoring through advanced technological solutions.

In this context, in collaboration with Atmo Normandie and the Incub’air laboratory, the CAPT’AIN (Caractérisation des Performances des Capteurs d’Air Miniaturisés) project has been launched.

The project aims to assess the feasibility of miniaturized monitoring stations to complement the traditional network, by improving the spatial and temporal resolution of data. These solutions should offer real-time measurements, be easily deployable and enable a faster response to pollution episodes.

Solution

To improve air quality monitoring in the port area of Le Havre, HAROPA PORT and Atmo Normandie implemented an advanced technological solution based on Kunak AIR monitoring stations, supplied by Acoem France. Five stations have been installed at strategic locations around the port, ensuring complete coverage and reinforcing the existing monitoring network.

Kunak AIR stations are distinguished by their ability to accurately measure major pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen monoxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). Thanks to real-time connectivity, HAROPA PORT can now access instant data, receive automatic alerts and act more rapidly during pollution episodes.

This technology has complemented conventional monitoring by providing a more flexible and accessible solution, adapted to the port’s dynamic environment. In addition, it has facilitated the identification of emission sources and optimized decision-making for corrective actions. With this initiative, HAROPA PORT reinforces its environmental commitment and lays the foundations for future efforts to reduce pollution in one of Europe’s most important logistics areas.

Results

Thanks to the precision of Kunak sensors, HAROPA PORT and Atmo Normandie have strengthened their environmental monitoring system, obtaining key data for decision-making. They can now respond more effectively to episodes of poor air quality, coordinating their actions with environmental authorities and port operators. In addition, real-time information has facilitated the implementation of more effective strategies to reduce emissions and minimize the impact of industrial activity on the environment.

This approach has made it possible to launch new initiatives as part of the port’s ecological transition, such as the electrification of marine terminals, in line with its commitments to sustainable development. In addition, transparent access to data has improved communication with local communities, keeping citizens informed about air quality in their environment and boosting confidence in the port’s environmental actions.

Testimonial

“Thanks to the Kunak sensor network, the Port of Le Havre can now monitor air quality with unprecedented accuracy, enabling more efficient and sustainable environmental management.”

France 3 Normandie report

On the occasion of the inauguration of our sensors at the port of Le Havre on Thursday February 20, 2025, France 3 Normandie produced a short report on the subject. Enjoy it!

Watch the documentary

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