Environment: Los Angeles, Tacoma

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The ports of Los Angeles and Shanghai on July 10 signed a formal agreement to exchange information, technical expertise and best practices to expand use of shore power at the Shanghai. The Port of Tacoma’s sustainability commitment has earned it an Inbound Logistics Green Supply Chain Partner honor for the fifth year running.

Los Angeles and Shanghai Launch ‘Ecopartnership’

The ports of Los Angeles and Shanghai on July 10 signed a formal agreement to exchange information, technical expertise and best practices to expand use of shore power at the Shanghai.

The signing ceremony concluded the sixth meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, China’s Vice Premier Wang Yang and State Councilor Yang Jiechi. The annual conference brings the two nations together to address mutual challenges and opportunities on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues.

"We are honored to share our knowledge and experience with the Port of Shanghai and support this progressive environmental initiative at the world’s largest port," said Los Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. "We are especially thrilled to do so under the EcoPartnership Program, which is endorsed by the highest levels of both governments."

Chris Cannon, director of environmental management for the Port of Los Angeles, signed the EcoPartnership Statement of Intent in Beijing with Director-General Jianping Sun of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission (SMTC). The commission, which oversees the Port of Shanghai, said the EcoPartnership builds on the collaborative work of the two ports to advance sustainable practices throughout the maritime industry, including creation of the Pacific Ports Clean Air Collaborative in 2006.

"We have achieved many great successes," said the SMTC. "This new partnership and our demonstration projects will bring significant and positive impacts to Pacific ports and advance sustainable port development to maximize air quality benefits far beyond what can be accomplished by a single port."

Specifically, Los Angeles will share knowledge with the Port of Shanghai on regulations, rules, standards, policies, electricity rates and incentive programs to promote shore power. Los Angeles’ technical expertise and more than a decade of experience will help Shanghai build on its pilot program at Waigaoqiao Phase II container terminal as it adds shore power to the Yangshan Deepwater Port – Phase III and the Shanghai Wusong Cruise Terminal.

The parties will begin by developing a plan within the next 30 days to implement the three-year initiative. Ensuring consistent equipment and practices will accelerate emission reductions at both ports. Uniform standards and compatible infrastructure that allow ocean carriers to maximize their investment in clean ships could lead to green shipping routes that increase trade at both ports.

Tacoma Again Named a Green Supply Chain Partner 

The Port of Tacoma’s sustainability commitment has earned it an Inbound Logistics Green Supply Chain Partner honor for the fifth year running.

Tacoma was recognized for its efforts to reduce seaport-related emissions through the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, clean up legacy contamination to restore more than 420 acres to productive use, and find innovative solutions to manage stormwater runoff.

The trade magazine honored 75 organizations from various trade sectors, including ports, motor carriers, railroads, shipping lines, freight forwarders and air cargo carriers.

"The 75 Green Supply Chain Partners is a very select group, and we found the Port of Tacoma to be one of those companies that is truly ‘walking the walk’ when it comes to supply chain sustainability," said Felecia Stratton, editor of Inbound Logistics. "The G75 list represents 75 visionaries who have demonstrated a long-standing history of driving efficiencies in their customers' operations and an internal commitment to be as lean and green as possible. Inbound Logistics is proud to honor the Port of Tacoma among this important group of industry-changing leaders."

The complete list of honored partners is featured in the magazine's June issue.