Efforts include plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support facility electrification and increase the use of alternative energy sources, while working cooperatively across the maritime industry to advance worldwide initiatives to fight climate change.
AAPA actions include advocating for the creation of a federal port electrification grant program, becoming a founding member of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition and signing a memorandum of understanding with PortVision50.
'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,' AAPA President and CEO Christopher Connor said.
Blue Sky Maritime Coalition
The Blue Sky Maritime Coalition was created to facilitate collaboration across the US and Canadian maritime industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its founding membership is comprised of more than 30 organizations including energy providers, financial institutions, ports, logistics providers, manufacturers, shippers and seaborne carriers.
Blue Sky President and CEO David Cummins welcomed AAPA as a founding member.
'Ports in the US and Canada are at the heart of North American waterborne transportation operations,' Cummins said, 'and AAPA’s proven ability to connect and unite the diverse voices of the ports around common interests is perfectly aligned with Blue Sky’s mission to achieve commercially viable maritime decarbonization through collaboration along this entire value chain.'
PortVision50
PortVision50 is a group that helps maritime stakeholders understand the technical and operational solutions available to the industry for achieving the goals of the International Maritime Organization's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. PortVision50 will work to ensure that port infrastructure projects align with global projects supporting IMO's targets for 2030 and 2050.
'PortVision50 is dedicated to empowering the maritime industry to ensure seamless onboarding of the IMO regulations aimed at reducing GHG emissions with specific focus on ports and terminals in North America,' said Margaret Doyle, president & founding board member of PortVision50. This MOU with AAPA will enable PV50 to use mutual platforms to reach these stakeholders.'
US port electrification program hailed
In the US, AAPA applauded Congress for including a new $3.5bn port electrification grant program in the budget reconciliation bill currently under consideration. The program would spur the adoption of electric cargo handling equipment, shore power, infrastructure resiliency and electric grid modernization. AAPA and 30 ports and regional port associations signed a letter urging the quick passage of this legislation.
'A port industry-specific grant program to reduce emissions and electrify port equipment will help spur the adoption of green energy and equipment at ports,' the letter said, 'and allow for faster installation of electric grid and electric equipment charging infrastructure that will be critical in the effort to create a sustainable maritime transportation industry.'
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