Page 9 - Port of Baltimore March April 2013

To subscribe or renew, visitwww.marylandports.com March/April 2013 ■ The Port of Baltimore [7]
GOVERNOR’S Message
T hroughout its history, the maritime industry has been
about trade, commerce and jobs. At the Port of Baltimore,
for decades we have seen ships grow remarkably in size
and bring millions of tons of cargo across our piers:
commodities like autos, containers, farm and construction
machinery, and forest products at our public marine terminals,
and sugar, salt, gypsum and coal at our private terminals. While
our industry is still organically about trade, commerce and jobs,
make no mistake that every year it is becoming more and more
about an evolving aspect of our industry: the environment.
Ports today are more focused on environmental awareness and
reducing the carbon footprint than ever. They are using low-sulfur
diesel fuel to operate cranes and port vehicles. They are also
implementing initiatives designed to reduce air emissions and
better protect the very waters that serve as their lifeline.
Ship owners are much more environmentally savvy than ever
before. Solar-powered technology is becoming more widely used
in vessel design. Hulls are being constructed using lightweight,
recyclable materials. Emission Control Areas, also known as ECAs,
are becoming more prevalent. As of August 2012, ECAs require that
any vessels within 200 miles of the U.S. coast reduce the sulfur
content in their fuel to only 1 percent. In 2015, that amount must
be reduced to 0.1 percent.
By continuing to implement good, sound environmental
practices, the maritime industry will become known for more than
trade, commerce and jobs. It will be known as environmentally
friendly, and that is good news for all of us.
James J. White, Executive Director
Maryland Port Administration
Environmental improvements are equally important as
signing a new, long-term contract with a major inter-
national shipper or welcoming a new cruise ship for the
Maryland Port Administration.
Our nationally recognized Dredged Material Management
Program has made the Port of Baltimore the largest creator of
wetlands in Maryland. After decades of erosion, Poplar Island in the
Chesapeake Bay and Hart-Miller Island in Baltimore County have
both been rebuilt to their original size through the use of dredged
material. Today, both islands provide habitat to many waterfowl
species, diamondback terrapins and other wildlife. Masonville
Cove, the Maryland Port Administration’s newest dredged material
facility located on the Patapsco River in Baltimore City, features
sustainable landscaping, a recently opened nature area and an
environmental education center.
The Environmental Management System is also helping to
ensure that our Port operates in an environmentally sensitive
manner. Through this program, the Port has reduced air emissions
around the public marine terminals and made measurable
improvements to water quality. Our clean diesel program is
replacing or upgrading engines in cargo-handling equipment,
dray trucks and locomotives to help further improve air quality.
And, by improving stormwater management ponds, sediment-
collection screens and storm drain filters that collect trash, oil
and other materials, we’ve decreased pollutants and debris from
entering the waterways. We’ve made great progress by engaging
Port tenants in these important environmental initiatives.
The Port’s Dredged Material Management Program and
Environmental Management System are ensuring that the
channels and the public marine terminals of the Port of Baltimore
are known for more than just accommodating huge cargo and
cruise ships. These two programs ensure that the economic engine
that is the Port of Baltimore keeps running in an environmentally
sustainable way.
Martin O’Malley, Governor
EXECUTIVE View
Hard-Working Port has Soft Touch with Environment
Maritime Industry Keeps Evolving for a Healthier Future