A Californian port is pushing full speed ahead with environmental initiatives and projects having completed the annual recertification process to maintain its Green Marine certification.
The Port of Hueneme made history as the first port in the state to earn Green Marine certification one year ago and remains the only port in California to have achieved the certification.
“Since becoming Green Marine certified last year, we have been successful in implementing new technologies and best practices at the port including a new zero-waste policy, phasing in high mast LED lighting, overhauling a harbour patrol boat to reduce emissions, switching to compostable supplies and hosting zero waste events,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & port director.
Eco-friendly
One of the port’s recent projects involves eco-friendly pilings being brought in to be used in the upcoming port deepening project.
The pilings are made from composite recycled plastic as opposed to the traditional wood pilings and do not emit any chemicals into the water helping to protect marine life.
In August, the port welcomed its second train delivery of five railcars of eco-friendly pilings for its upcoming harbour deepening project.
Over the past year, the port has continued to make strides in its waste reduction programme which included the Board of Harbor Commissioners adopting a new zero waste policy.
This action was rewarded with a higher score by Green Marine in the waste management category this year. The port also improved its internal coordination for spill prevention which led to even higher marks for that category in which it already had five stars. In addition, it also maintained its five-star rating in community impacts and environmental leadership.
Established in 2007, Green Marine is a North American environmental certification programme for the maritime transportation industry.
Source: Greenport