Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) efforts in reducing carbon emissions have been recognised by the Southeast Diesel Collaborative (SEDC) with a ‘Community Leadership’ award.
The public-private partnership awarded GPA for its environmental projects which have helped conserve more than 7.2 million gallons of diesel each year.
Curtis Foltz, executive director, GPA, said: “The GPA has voluntarily undertaken many projects to decrease diesel fuel consumption, resulting in improved air quality. Some of those projects include our innovative electric RTGs, the repower of diesel RTGs with variable alternators, and the retrofit of 11 switch locomotives by GPA’s partner, Rail Link.”
“Cutting diesel consumption means not only clean air, but also lower energy costs. Better cross-terminal truck transit means less idling and quicker turn times, but also reduced emissions,” he added.
In addition, GPA has been awarded a US$600,000 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant by the EPA to be used for a dray truck financing programme.
The GPA unveiled its first four electrified RTGs (eRTGs) in late 2012. Now, US$8m will be used for the second phase of the eRTG project, which will convert 10 additional diesel RTGs to electric power, and install conductor rails at 12 more container blocks.
GPA’s transition to an eRTG fleet is set to be completed by 2024.
GPA says it has shared information on its environmental projects with other ports and will continue to do so “as the industry pursues good environmental stewardship”.
