The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy is the first and only tri-port and international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas and diesel particulate emissions from maritime operations. It’s a joint effort of the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Port Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. The strategy has allowed the three ports to remain globally competitive during the recession while still changing operations to be more environmentally friendly and improve air quality.
“We were impressed with the collaborative approach of the ports’ strategy,” said Mukilteo Councilmember Jennifer Gregerson, chair of the VISION 2040 awards committee. “It shows that working together can help regional interests to stay competitive while meeting their environmental goals.”
“The ports are demonstrating that we can work together to reduce emissions in ways that are good for the environment and our overall economy,” said Josh Brown, Kitsap County Commissioner and President of the PSRC. “It’s exciting to see such an innovative and effective partnership happening in our region.”
The Seattle port estimates that nearly 500 tons of sulfur emissions have been eliminated through the use of cleaner fuels. More than 116 vessels from eight container carriers and four cruise lines have participated in the program. To reduce emissions from cargo-hauling trucks, the port also bought and scrapped 280 older diesel trucks and has barred pre-1994 trucks from its container terminals.
“Through the strategy, Port of Tacoma is retrofitting its cargo handling equipment with level 3 diesel exhaust emission reduction technology,” said Pierce County Councilmember Joyce McDonald, member of the VISION 2040 Awards Selection Committee. “Port of Tacoma also launched an effective market-based program to reduce the emissions of the short haul trucks.”
All three ports have used the strategy to inventory emissions, employ green procurement policies, and implement equipment and energy efficiency programs.