The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has reduced port-related pollutants by 50% since 2005 through equipment upgrades, partnerships and operational commitments to improve air quality.
“We are committed to operating in a way that is safe for our employees, neighbours and the environment,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. “We are pleased to be recognised by DHEC with this award, which is only possible through the support of our partners in the maritime industry and trucking community.”
SCPA’s emissions reduction efforts include:
Clean Truck Program – Over the last two years, the SCPA offered incentives to truck drivers to upgrade their engines to newer models to ensure that a reliable, clean trucking fleet will serve SCPA container terminals. Through the only truck replacement incentive program in the Southeast, over 80 trucks were replaced. In January 2014, the Port implemented a certification program requiring all trucks serving the container terminals to have engines manufactured in 1994 or later.
Equipment Modernisation – The SCPA has made upgrades to terminal equipment to support emissions reductions. All Port of Charleston ship-to-shore cranes are fully electrified, and rubber-tired gantry cranes meet Tier 3 engine standards or better. The Port is also replacing traditional diesel conveyors with electrified ones. All construction equipment used on SCPA terminals must meet clean diesel requirements.
Terminal Productivity – SC Ports continue to be among the most productive terminals in the nation. Through reductions in gate turn times, or the amount of time a truck spends on terminal from entry to exit, as well as crane efficiency, the SCPA’s productivity minimises idling and fuel consumption.
Partnerships and Collaboration – SC Ports works closely with local and state organisations to promote air quality improvements. The SCPA is an active member of the Charleston, Waccamaw, and Upstate Air Quality Coalitions; Southeastern Diesel Collaborative; Coalition for Responsible Transportation; and the Southeastern Wind Coalition. In addition, the Port is currently participating in the City of Charleston’s Green Business Challenge.
SC Inland Port – SCPA continues to diversify opportunities for inland transportation of cargo to lessen environmental impacts.
“These voluntary, common sense and cost effective emission reduction measures taken by the SCPA set a great example for other businesses and industries in South Carolina,” said Elizabeth Dieck, Director of Environmental Affairs at SC DHEC. “The ‘Spare the Air’ awards place a spotlight on the oftentimes unheralded efforts of our clean air partners and illustrate that job creation and public health protection are not mutually exclusive. We sincerely appreciate the SCPA’s leadership and all of their efforts to support our mission of ensuring clean healthy air for all communities across the state.”
Last year’s award recipients include Bosch Anderson, Daniel Island Academy and the City of Rock Hill.