Baltimore receives environmental kudos for truck programme

It has been named a “Green Supply Chain Partner” by Inbound Logistics magazine following the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration’s (MDOT MPA) recertification under the International Organization for Standardization’s new Environmental Management standard.

“The Port of Baltimore continues to break records while striving to reach the highest environmental standards,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The port has successfully balanced moving our state’s economy forward while protecting our natural resources and improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay.”

Under a Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant through the US Department of the Environment, more than 170 older trucks servicing the port have been replaced with newer clean diesel dray trucks leading to better fuel efficiency and the reduction of harmful pollutants.

The DERA grant also funds exhaust system upgrades or diesel engine replacements on up to 26 pieces of cargo-handling equipment, such as forklifts and yard tractors. Automatic stop-start anti-idling devices are being installed on locomotives to move rail cars that come through the port.

MDOT MPA has shown a commitment to the environment over the years on numerous projects. As part of the Dredge Material Management Program, sediment dredged from the shipping channels that lead to the port are used to restore wetlands and eroding islands.

The port administration also works with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to restore the bay’s depleted stock of native oysters.

Baltimore will become the first North American port to host the GreenPort Congress in May 2018.