Americas News
Port of Seattle Joins Green Marine Program
The Port of Seattle says that it has become the first U.S. port outside the Great Lakes to join the Green Marine environmental program, which helps the marine industry reduce its environmental footprint.
"Green Marine's goal of continuous improvement is also at the core of our commitment towards sustainability", said Tay Yoshitani, CEO of the port.
Green Marine, an initiative created by marine industry groups in Canada and the U.S., addresses various environmental concerns including air emissions, environmental leadership, and community impacts such as noise, dust, and light.
The Port of Seattle announced plans in 2007 to become the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly port in the U.S., and it now says it provides the lowest carbon footprint for cargo shipped by sea and rail from Asia to the Midwestern U.S..
"Being the 8th largest U.S. port in 2012 in terms of [twenty-foot equivalent units] TEUs while implementing proactive measures to reduce its environmental footprint, Port of Seattle plays a key role in showing how sustainable port operations are within reach and that is exactly the message and vision Green Marine wishes to convey to all marine industry's stakeholders," said Green Marine Executive Director, David Bolduc.
The port hit a setback in its efforts last year when a state audit found that a program that encourages ships to use low-sulfur fuel at the port was illegal.
Green Marine counts 21 ports as participants, along with a number of terminal operators and ship owners.
