Features
Going Green
It only takes a glance at a paper, a blog or a website to see that companies are becoming more concerned about the environment. “Green” is no longer a buzzword but instead the definition of being socially responsible. Below are just a few recent news items on the topic.
Port of San Diego
In March, the port presented its first set of initiatives under the Green Port Program. Initiatives are scheduled to be completed December 2008. They include, among others, decreasing water use, beginning implementation of the Clean Air Program, and development and start up of four new programs to reduce waste streams.
Port of Long Beach
In May, the port announced it will share a $98 million California Air Resources Board air quality grant to help replace or upgrade older diesel trucks that serve the San Pedro Bay ports. The funds are part of $221 million awarded statewide by the Air Resources Board as part of the Proposition 1B Goods Movement Emissions Reduction Program.
San Pedro Bay Ports
In May, the ports sponsored their first green technology conference to promote dialogue on new cutting-edge technologies. Subjects included technology being developed under the ports’ Technology Advancement Program (TAP) and issues involved in start-up manufacturing, marketing and funding.
International Transport Forum
The forum released its findings in May, highlighting the “growing challenge to find the right balance between supporting the economic drivers of trade and mobility and reducing transport’s energy intensity and emissions.” Secretary General Jack Short called for a low-carbon transport system “as soon as possible,” citing the sector’s overwhelming dependence on oil (95 percent of transport’s energy is based on oil).
Kalmar
In May, the company launched its first Pro Future, a new concept encompassing all of its environmentally friendly equipment. Machines will be rated against five ecological decision-making drivers: source of power, energy efficiency, emissions, noise pollution and recyclability. Qualifying machines will carry a new green and white Pro Future logo.
SkySails
To reduce emissions, the company has come out with a large parafoil lashed to its bow that provides a cheaper — and cleaner — way across the waves. When wind conditions are right, the kite is deployed and can tow a vessel with enough force to reduce or even eliminate the need to use the engines of a ship.
Eco-tug
Seattle’s Foss Maritime Co. announced that it plans to build the world’s first true hybrid tugboat, a “green” vessel that will significantly reduce harmful nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and carbon emissions. It will also consume less fuel and be quieter than its conventional predecessors.
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