Stockton, CA, – The Port of Stockton in San Joaquin Valley is the newest Green Marine participant and the third California port authority to become part of the largest voluntary environmental certification program for North America’s maritime industry.
“Joining a key stewardship program such as Green Marine is consistent with the directed goal of continuous environmental improvement issued by our Board of Commissioners,” said Port Director Richard Aschieris.
“Our Commission’s Environmental Initiative Policy dictates our commitment to maintaining and protecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta where we operate, knowing it provides drinking water for two thirds of California as well as crucial habitat for countless fish, birds and other wildlife,” Aschieris added.
The port is committed to sustainability as it continues to expand its regional and global economic importance, handling nearly 4.7 million tons of cargo last year to and from 55 countries – everything from organic grain arriving from Turkey to refined sulphur going to Australia.
“We’re so pleased to welcome the Port of Stockton into the Green Marine program where it can benchmark its progress along with more than 40 other U.S. and Canadian ports,” said David Bolduc, Green Marine’s executive director. “The Port of Stockton is already conveying its genuine commitment to sustainability with its Delta Environmental Enhancement Program (D.E.E.P.) to improve air and water quality, as well as, conserve wildlife habitat in the Delta and surrounding communities.”
Green Marine offers a step-by-step roadmap for port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines and shipyard managers to voluntarily and measurably reduce their environmental footprint. The comprehensive program addresses key environmental issues using 12 performance indicators that include lowering air emissions, minimizing community impacts, and demonstrating environmental leadership.
The Green Marine certification process is rigorous and transparent. Results are independently verified every two years and each company’s individual results are published annually and made available on line at www.green-marine.org/certification/results/.
Green Marine
Founded in 2007, Green Marine is a North American environmental certification program that evolved from the maritime industry’s desire to surpass environmental regulatory obligations. It is a rigorous, transparent and inclusive program that focuses on priority environmental issues through its 12 distinct performance indicators. To date, more than 120 ship owners, port authorities, terminal operators and shipyard managers from ocean to ocean in Canada and the United States participate in the initiative. Green Marine is unique in the support it receives from environmental organizations, government agencies and the scientific community. These 60 supporting members contribute to shaping and revising the program.