UPDATED: Environmental Initiatives at Seaports
Worldwide – A Snapshot of Best Practices
AAPA Environment Committee Meeting
Richard Vincent Port of Portland, Noeleen Tillman I2S2 September 17, 2013
UPDATED: Environmental Initiatives at Seaports
Worldwide – A Snapshot of Best Practices
• Update to original White Paper (2010) • I2S2 lead author
– Partnership between Global Environment & Technology Foundation and American Association of Port Authorities
• Grant provided by Port of Portland – Supports Portland’s Sustainability goals – Provides for knowledge transfer to maritime community
• Determine trends, progress from original paper
Research Parameters
Objective: To provide readers with a greater awareness and understanding of how seaports are managing natural resources, adopting new operating methods and planning for sustainability.
Anticipated Result: Better understanding of the geographic, community, financial and regulatory drivers that impact port decision-making
Research Parameters
Snapshot in time (Spring 2013)
Questionnaire
Air, Water, Waste Minimization, Dredging, Energy Conservation/Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, Sustainability, EMSs
Interviews with various port staff
Literature search of current, available information
Sampling of AAPA, IAPH members
General Research Results
Design, approach, development and implementation of Sustainability/Environmental Initiatives are dependent on:
Political climate Community involvement, concerns Operational capacity Financial circumstances Regulatory requirements
General Research Results Discriminators include:
• Business line (bulk, break bulk, container, cruise)
• Operations (landlord, facility operator, both)
• Operations type (marine terminals, airports, ferries, tunnels, real estate)
• Geography – River system
– Salt water
harbor
– Estuary
Research Highlights What is Sustainability or GreenPort? • Range of definitions
– Interchangeable? – Not consistent
• Most focused on • “beyond compliance” • Reporting schemes vary
– Self reporting (EMS) – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Global Reporting Initiative
• Guidelines – ASCE, West Coast Ports Collaborative, ESPO
GreenGuide
Air Quality • New Regulations (International: CA
US: Tier IV, CA shore power) • Retrofit or replacement of Cargo
Handling Equipment • Fuels types for US
– Challenges internationally (Brazil, China, Africa)
• Shore power (container terminals, cruise ships) – US applications – International
• Truck emission reduction programs – Los Angeles, Seattle, Long Beach,
Houston
Research Highlights Air Quality, continued: • Funding innovation (TAP)
– “Sock on Stack”, electric tractor
• Incentive/Recognition Programs – Green Flag, Blue Circle
• Electrification – China
• Automation – Long Beach, Virginia,
China, Rotterdam
• Grant funding – US
• Partnership between Port of Portland and Shaver Transportation Company
Shore Power for Harbor Vessels
Research Highlights
Stormwater Management • Increased permit restrictions • Technology Innovation (TAP)
– Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach – Port of Vancouver, USA
• Bioswales, infiltration basins, pervious pavement • Stormwater as a water resource
– Australia
Pervious Pavement
Research Highlights
Waste Minimization
• Low hanging fruit – well institutionalized
• Recycling (universally done)
• Construction debris (metal, wood, concrete)
Research Highlights
Dredging
• Beneficial reuse
– Fill material for habitat creation
• Sediment controls
• Technology testing
• Deep water dredging –
post Panamax vessels
Research Highlights
Natural Resources
• Mitigation Banking/credits
• Innovative approaches
– Port of Portland
– Port of Vancouver, US
• Buffer Zones
– Port of Brisbane
• Endangered Species
Research Highlights
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
• Wind - UK Ports
• Solar -Port of Sacramento
• Community
Partnerships
– Port of
San Diego
– Port of
Long Beach
Research Highlights
Environmental Management Systems
• Widely used internationally/nationally
• ISO 14001 Certification
– Port of Corpus Christi
– Port of Houston
• Well recognized and
implemented for
the past decade
– PERS, EMAS, PEMSA
Summary
Economics, politics, location, geography and regulation all factor into decision process
Information sharing worldwide is occurring
Membership in associations, groups, is an important factor for information, data, lessons learned, keys to success
US Ports are forerunners in many aspects, but China and Europe are becoming more aggressive in resource protection and enhancement.
