Green Marine emissions criteria revisions

Changes incorporate expansion of the sulphur oxide and particulate matter emissions (SOx & PM) performance indicator at Levels 3, 4, and 5 to better reflect expanding membership of American domestic ship owners; recognition of LNG and other exemplary technologies at Level 5 in PM reduction; and an increase in the overall level of difficulty for the dry bulk handling and storage performance indicator for ports and terminals.

“The program is reviewed and adjusted every year to reflect new regulations and keep up with technological innovation,” said David Bolduc, Green Marine’s executive director.

GHG changes

Other criteria related to aquatic invasive species and greenhouse gases have also been strengthened.

Green Marine participants, North American and Canadian ship owners, port authorities, terminal operators and shipyard managers – will use the criteria next year to assess the 2018 performance of their operations.

Current participants include the Port of Hueneme, which last year won The Greenest Port of the Year Award at the Green Shipping USA Summit; and the Port of Seattle, which won American Association of Port Authorities’ 2017 Environmental Award in the comprehensive environmental management category.

Another participant, the Port of Montreal, can now electrically power vessels docking at its new cruise terminal. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,800t annually.