Ecoport first for Australasian ports

The Port of Newcastle is working hard to improve its efficiency, reduce fuel, power and water consumption across its operations in order to reduce its environmental impact.

“Given sustainability is central to the port’s business strategy, we are actively working to manage the environmental challenges we face as a city-port by focusing on diversifying trade and improving efficiency and safety of the supply chain,” said Jackie Spiteri, Port of Newcastle’s environment, sustainability & planning manager.

“We are also seeking to minimise and offset the port’s environmental footprint and partnering with employees, customers and community on sustainability initiatives.

Kudos
Ms Spiteri added that EcoPorts certification is an important milestone for the organisation, recognising its commitment to environmental management and sustainability and putting it on a par with the likes of the larger global hub ports such as the Port of Hamburg and Rotterdam.

One of the projects that helped the port achieve certification is the port’s AUS$35 million Newcastle Bulk Terminal upgrade which features a new ship unloader with state-of-the-art crane and environmental monitoring systems.

Developed in 1997, EcoPorts remains the only Environmental Management Standard (EMS) specific to the global port sector that actively addresses and manages the complex environmental challenges ports face.

Port of Newcastle has become one of 115 ports around the world to have been certified under the programme.