Also known as ‘Cold Ironing’ and ‘Alternative Marine Power’ this is essentially the port operator providing a connection to the local electricity network for the vessel. This allows the vessel to shut down its diesel engines thereby cutting all air borne emissions (carbon dioxide plus other emissions such as nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide and particulates). In addition to the significant benefit to the environment, a reduction in noise pollution and vibration is realised which has a positive effect on local communities.

 Confusion around a global standard has been a common concern. This has recently been addressed by the publication of the IEC ‘Publicly Available Standard’ (IEC/ISO/IEEE 60092-510) which aims to ensure global compatibility for connections, communication and protection.

Stuart Melling, Account Manager for ABB Marine and Crane Business Unit says “This development removes some of the uncertainty a port and vessel operator would have around investing in this technology. The environmental benefits are clear, most of our customers accept this but also want to avoid investing in a ‘white elephant’. Now that a global standard has been published, the prospect of using this solution to achieve port and vessel environmental targets (such as energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction) is much more compelling.”

 “Vessel operators are under increasing pressure given IMO environmental regulations (MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI) and EU directives (2005/33/EC sulphur limits in port). The use of expensive low sulphur diesel in port drives up operating costs, this could make connection to the port supply very attractive from a commercial aspect as well as in helping to achieve environmental improvements.”

“For port operators, this provision of electricity to vessels will bring an additional revenue stream, will help contribute to their carbon reduction targets and will help promote a much cleaner image to local residents. As many ports have achieved, or are in the process of achieving ISO14001, this solution can provide an ideal element of the environmental improvement strategy.”

The awards were presented during the 32nd International WorkBoat Show on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

 Green Port 2010-2011 Year in Review (1.68 MB)

The Port of San Diego was the only entrant representing the public sector and was the first public sector winner in the four-year history of the awards.

The International WorkBoat Show is the largest commercial marine tradeshow in North America serving people and businesses working on the coastal, inland and offshore waters. The environmental awards recognize businesses and government agencies operating in the U.S. maritime industry that have successfully incorporated environmentally sustainable practices into their operations.

The category was open to businesses and government agencies that exemplify innovative and effective environmental process initiatives, which go well beyond state and federal mandates.

“The Port of San Diego is honored to receive this award in recognition of our Green Port Program,” said Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners Scott Peters. “For nearly 50 years, the Port has been an environmental steward for San Diego Bay.

Peters said a current focus of the Port District is planning for predictions of climate change and sea level rise.

“The Port’s commitment to environmental stewardship cuts across the entire organization,” said Bruce Buls, WorkBoat magazine technical editor and one of the award judges. “We were particularly impressed with the Port’s Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan. No one else is looking to the future to anticipate a rise in sea level and coming up with strategies to respond.”

The Port’s Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan is a process that will help the Port identify, assess and develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address areas in our region that may be vulnerable to climate change. The Plan addresses a variety of strategies dealing with sea level rise, water reuse and conservation, beach erosion and energy demand. It will be a critical tool for future planning and development on the lands surrounding San Diego Bay.

The Green Port Program, which was started in 2008, is designed to put the Port District’s environmental goals into practice. Since its inception, the Port of San Diego has received more than $4.2 million in grant funding, which has helped pay for the installation of equipment to power docked cruise ships by an electrical source, and to provide financial assistance for truck operators to install special diesel-emissions filters or replace older model vehicles.

“This year, we launched our ‘Green Business Challenge’- an innovative program that helps Port tenants reduce their environmental impact. The Port also makes ongoing efforts to reduce air emissions through a Clean Truck Program and other Clean Air efforts. We are committed to continued excellence in environmental management,” Peters added.

David Matsuda, Maritime Administrator for the United States Department of Transportation, was the keynote speaker at the event.

There were a total of eight submissions in the Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan category. Other nominees included Alcatraz Cruises, Ray Ship & Yacht Company, Bollinger Shipyards, Gunderson Marine, LLC, Ingram Marine Group, Pacific Whale Foundation and Plaquemines Parish Ferry System.

A record 13,000 visitors and exhibitors from 45 states and 27 countries attended the WorkBoat Show. The International WorkBoat show is produced by Diversified Business Communications.

The Port of San Diego was created by state legislature in 1962 and is responsible for $1.7 billion in public improvements in its five member cities: Imperial Beach Coronado, Chula Vista, National City and San Diego.

The Port District oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 17 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

2011 marks the 10th anniversary since PD Ports first introduced its apprenticeship schemes, which over the 10 years has seen 36 young people celebrate their success. This most recent scheme however is the first of its kind at the Port, which over the 18 months of training will provide the 13 apprentices with a NVQ Level 2 in Dock Operations. Historically the apprenticeship schemes at Teesport have focussed on electrical and mechanical engineering trades.

PD Ports initiated the programme in conjunction with the Redcar Development Trust, whose aim it is to support and develop the local youth and their families who want to invest in their own future. From this PD Ports was able to identify 13 suitable candidates, ranging from 18-30 years of age and as a result, launched the tailor made apprenticeships.  

David Robinson, PD Ports’ Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “This new apprenticeship programme is about raising aspirations of the young people across the region, whilst equipping them with the knowledge and skills to master a trade.  With the reopening of the Redcar Blast Furnace in the New Year and the subsequent increase in steel handling at Teesport, it is our intention to help create employment for the apprentices at the end of the scheme.

“As one of the largest employers in the Teesside area, PD Ports takes its responsibility for recruiting and training very seriously and is one of our Company’s eight core values. With the majority of our existing workforce at Teesport coming from within a three mile radius of the Port, it is vital for the longevity of our business that we invest in the region’s young people today,” added Mr Robinson.

The apprenticeship scheme has been introduced just as the first group of 14 students finish their foundation degree in Leadership and Management (Ports),  launched by PD Ports and Teesside University in 2009. The two year foundation degree was specifically designed for those working in the port industry.

It was delivered on a part time basis at the University with senior PD Ports employees giving practical examples of the theory the students were being taught. Of the foundation degree graduates, nine are continuing to study for their Undergraduate Degree.

Mr Robinson added: “We’re delighted to partner with the local University and offer a unique degree. Hopefully it has attracted more people to the University and it gives us great pleasure to train the next generation of port managers. This degree, along with the apprentice scheme, demonstrates our commitment to training and recruiting young people from the North East region, and further afield.

“As we move into 2012, we are looking to engage with the wider industrial community on Teesside to further collaborate on issues such as training and skills, and deliver greater prospects or work, employability and skills development in the area,” concluded Mr Robinson.

Chief Executive Officer Alec G. Dreyer said that given the gradual recovery of the U.S. economy, a conservative expectation for container growth at the Port of Houston Authority is appropriate — 4.1 percent for 2012 and 4.8 percent projected for 2013. General cargo growth is also expected to continue in 2012 and 2013.

Tom Heidt, Vice President, Finance & Administration, said the Port Authority is budgeting $214.8 million in operating revenue for 2012 and $64.2 million in operating income. Net income for 2012 is budgeted at $8.9 million.

Going forward, Dreyer said the primary operational focus for the Port of Houston Authority will
be to balance headcount and other expenses against actual operating performance to enhance operating cost transparency and consistently generate free cash flow.

“To succeed, we must operate at a different level than we have in the past,” he said.
The Port Commission is set to review the 2012 budget at its Dec. 13 meeting.