Port of Newcastle gains EcoPort status

Port of Newcastle has been certified as an EcoPort under the global environmental and sustainability standard for the ports sector. Said to be the first port in Australia or New Zealand to gain the certification, Port of Newcastle is now one of 115 ports around the world to have been certified under the program.

EcoPorts is an environmental initiative of the European ports sector that strives to raise awareness of environmental protection through cooperation and sharing of knowledge between ports and improve environmental management.

The port’s $35 million Newcastle Bulk Terminal upgrade, featuring a new ship unloader with state-of-the-art crane and environmental monitoring systems, represents the organisation’s commitment to the latest in safety and environmental compliance.

The port is also working to improve efficiency and reduce fuel, power and water consumption across its operations in order to reduce its environmental impact.

The port’s Environment, Sustainability & Planning Manager, Jackie Spiteri, said the EcoPorts certification is an important milestone for the organisation, recognising its commitment to environmental management and sustainability.

“Gaining EcoPorts certification for this leading global standard recognises the work Port of Newcastle is doing to enhance its contribution to the social, economic and environmental outcomes for the Hunter Region and NSW,” Spiteri said.

“Given sustainability is central to the port’s business strategy, we are actively working to manage the environmental challenges we face as a city port by focusing on diversifying trade and improving efficiency and safety of the supply chain.

“We are also seeking to minimise and offset the port’s environmental footprint and partnering with employees, customers and community on sustainability initiatives.

“The certification milestone is also significant in that it enables valuable collaboration and learning opportunities with other similarly committed ports around the world, including the highly regarded teams at Port of Rotterdam, Port of Hamburg and Port of Amsterdam.”

Developed in 1997, EcoPorts is an environmental management standard specific to the global port sector that actively addresses and manages the complex environmental challenges ports face.

Port of Newcastle continues to work with a number of other ports across Australia and New Zealand to champion the EcoPorts standard, with several now pursuing the opportunity to participate in the global initiative.

Image courtesy of Port of Newcastle