Green Marine has certified the Port of Oakland this week through its environmental programme, the Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan, in support of the port’s transition to zero emissions operations.
The Port of Oakland has made it a priority to embark on a variety of projects to further the goal of achieving a zero emissions port by 2050, while planning for responsible growth.
The Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan provided a framework to guide the decision-making process for projects targeting air quality, community health concerns, and climate change.
According to the Port of Oakland, the Green Marine certification will give the Port of Oakland a competitive advantage with customers who want to partner with ports that complement their environmental vision.
Green Marine is a Canadian-based non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing sustainable environmental practices throughout the maritime industry. Members of the organisation are encouraged to adopt “concrete, measurable actions” beyond their regulatory requirements.
The certification process includes a yearly self-assessment of the Port of Oakland’s environmental performance in nine areas. The self-assessment process is followed up by a bi-yearly independent audit.
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“We look forward to fostering a collaborative partnership with Green Marine, and its members,” said Acting Director of the port’s Environmental Programs and Planning division, Colleen Liang.
“Achieving the rigorous standards imposed by Green Marine’s programme provides an additional path towards our goal of a zero emissions port,” Liang added.
Other notable efforts the port has undertaken to honour its environmental commitments include hosting the Zero Emissions Truck Ride and Drive event, providing port operators the opportunity to experience state-of-the-art zero emissions vehicles first-hand.
More recently, the proposed Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Navigation Project released a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR).
