Progress in efforts to becoming a more sustainable port

Jackie Spiteri, Port of Newcastle’s Environment, Planning and Sustainability Manager, said the 2019 Sustainability Report examined the port’s contribution towards the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the Hunter and regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

“Minimising our environmental footprint, diversifying trade and creating a more resilient economy requires a determined, long-term effort, with co-operation between the Port and its stakeholders,” Spiteri said.

“There are things we can do today to make the way we operate the port more sustainable and responsible – that is our immediate focus as we pursue our long-term diversification plans.

“I’m very proud of the progress Port of Newcastle has made so far, especially of our efforts to improve energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint.

“Every tonne of CO₂ reduced or any scale of operational efficiency we achieve will contribute to better outcomes for the future and have a positive cumulative effect that leads to significant, long-lasting results.”

Spiteri said the report focused on achievements in relation to four key themes: Our People, Our Planet, Our Prosperity and Our Partnerships.

Port of Newcastle’s sustainability commitments

In driving long term value creation for the Hunter Region and New South Wales, sustainability is at the core of Port of Newcastle’s business strategy and culture. As part of its sustainability framework, Port of Newcastle is focused on:

• Improving and growing existing supply chains and diversifying trade to ensure continued economic growth for the Hunter Region and NSW.
• Minimising and offsetting the port’s environmental footprint, as well as maintaining the status of being the world’s largest energy port by supporting the global movement towards the use of renewable energy.
• Partnering with its employees, customers and community on initiatives that ensure the port continues to support thriving, prosperous communities for generations to come.

Sustainability initiatives in 2020

As the port continues to embed sustainability principles across its operations, it is also pursuing a diverse range of initiatives to create sustainable social, environmental and economic benefits for the Hunter and NSW. In 2020, some of these include:

• Launch of a new STEM scholarship programme for Aboriginal students, in partnership with University of Newcastle.
• Port operations to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2021.
• Transition entire vehicle fleet to electric vehicles (EV) by 2023, including the purchase of four EVs in 2020.
• Continued efforts to progress diversification projects such as the Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal, the Newcastle GasDock development and the growth of existing diversified trade.
• Continued programming to promote the empowerment of women in maritime and provide equal opportunities for leadership positions.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/22062020/progress-in-efforts-to-becoming-a-more-sustainable-port/