Port of Corpus Christi joins Green Marine

The Port of Corpus Christi became the most recent participant in Green Marine, the largest voluntary environmental program for the maritime industry in North America. Green Marine’s environmental program provides a template for ports, terminal operators and shipping lines to reduce their environmental footprint. 
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Corpus Christi as the first port from Texas to join the Green Marine program,” said David Bolduc, Green Marine’s executive director. “With its newly adopted environmental policy, its desire to enhance environmental awareness and its participation in our certification program, Port Corpus Christi is showing true commitment to sustainability,” 
In 2007, the port authority implemented an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System (EMS). It recently revised its environmental policy. 
“The EMS has created a proactive attitude among employees to help improve operational efficiency and pollution prevention,” said John P. LaRue, PCCA’s executive director. “Our port wants to demonstrate its continued commitment to environmental protection, and we believe Green Marine’s detailed framework can help us achieve that goal.” 
The program addresses key environmental issues under 12 performance indicators, including reducing air emissions, immunizing community impacts and demonstrating environmental leadership. 
Green Marine’s North American environmental certification program was established in 2007. It stems from the industry’s voluntary initiative to surpass regulatory requirements. Currently, more than 100 companies participate in the program, including ship owners, port authorities, terminal operators and shipyards. Supporters of the program include more than 50 environmental organizations and government agencies.
The Green Marine certification process is rigorous and transparent. Results are independently verified every two years, and each company’s individual results are published.