The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and the Port of Rotterdam have reached an agreement to jointly strengthen and expand environmental initiatives in both ports.
The agreement calls for both ports to share information and experiences that will enhance existing programs to improve air, water, soil and wildlife quality.
The agreement is part of a US Environmental Protection Agency-sponsored initiative – the “International Sustainable Ports and Carriers Partnership” – that involves ports from the US and the international community forming a partnership to advance mutual goals for improving the environment.
Port Authority chairman Anthony Coscia said: “It’s critical that we confront the enormous challenges that lie ahead by creating a port that’s a world-class model of environmental sustainability, while maintaining its status in the global economy. This agreement will help us develop a strategy for implementing alternative energy solutions at our ports that will allow them to grow and prosper for many years.”
Port Authority executive director Anthony Shorris added: “As we begin our $2 billion investment to upgrade our port infrastructure, we must tackle with equal vigour the sustainability issues associated with those major capital projects.
The Port Authority’s ongoing programs include a $530 million investment to build new ship-to-rail facilities at port terminals to reduce the dependence on trucks to move cargo, and the retrofitting of Staten Island ferries with cleaner-burning engines.
Port of Rotterdam senior executive vice president commented: “I am convinced that within our competitive port businesses there is still room for enhancing sustainable port development. We are extremely happy that the old friendship between our ports will become the basis for further environmental improvement.”
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