Ports join forces

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has announced a commitment among member ports to address climate change on a national and global scale.

“We are proud to announce a set of commitments that reflect an energized and dedicated membership ready to forge a leadership position in the maritime industry’s fight against climate change,” said AAPA President and CEO Christopher Connor. “For decades, American ports have led local and regional innovation in support of sustainability, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. Today, their combined experience will join collaborative global initiatives to address one of the most urgent challenges of our age.”

Ambitious goals

The aims include reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, supporting facility electrification, and increasing the use of alternative energy sources, while working cooperatively across the maritime industry to advance world-wide climate change initiatives.

AAPA has taken several steps to take a leadership goal in the fight against climate change, including advocating for the creation of a federal port electrification grant programme, becoming a founding member of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, and announcing a partnership with PortVision50.

The Blue Sky Maritime Coalition was created to facilitate collaboration across the US and Canadian maritime industry to reduce GHG emissions.

PortVision50 will work to ensure that port infrastructure projects align with global projects supporting IMO GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2050.

The US Congress has included a new US$3.5bn port electrification grant program in the budget reconciliation bill currently under consideration. AAPA and 30 ports and regional port associations signed a letter urging the quick passage of this legislation.