Sohar launches environmental programme

The five-day programme will see ten MECA employees collaborate with the logistical hub’s Environmental Unit over the coming days, in a bid to strengthen ties with the government authority and share knowledge and experience in international environmental standards.

Edwin Lammers, executive commercial manager, Sohar Port, said: “Growing within the carrying capacity of the local environment is a fundamental part of our business model and we take the potential impact of increased productivity on carbon emissions and climate change very seriously. In 2013, we became the first port in the Middle East to introduce a reward scheme for ships that qualify under the Environmental Ship Index’s clean ship system.”

Despite having one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world – 0.17% – Oman has signalled its intention to ensure growth does not come at the expense of its rich natural ecosystems and biodiversity, and the new programme reflects a desire to increase understanding and cooperation in pursuit of what Executive Commercial Manager says is a commitment and responsibility that is shared by SOHAR.

Mr Lammers added that Sohar is the first in the Middle East and one of an elite group of 30 ports and harbours worldwide to have entered the Green Award Scheme, which encourages ships and ship-owners to embrace environmentally-friendly operations.

He added that with the port and freezone braced for further growth and the arrival of new investment and infrastructure, mean instilling environmental principles across the supply chain are of equal importance.

“We are also fortunate to be able to draw on expertise at Port of Rotterdam, one of the most environmentally-friendly ports in the world,” he said.