PORT of Newcastle has become the first port in Australia or New Zealand to be certified by EcoPorts, the ports sector’s global environmental and sustainability standard.
EcoPorts this month certified Newcastle under its Port Environmental Review System following tests by Lloyd’s Register to measure the port against global best practice management.
Port of Newcastle is now one of 115 ports around the world to have been certified.
Environment, sustainability and planning manager, Jackie Spiteri, said the EcoPorts certification was an important milestone.
“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,” Ms 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.”
Ms Spiteri said the certification milestone was also significant in that it enabled valuable collaboration and learning opportunities with other similarly-committed ports around the world, including Rotterdam, Hamburg and Amsterdam.
EcoPorts is the only environmental management standard specific to the global port sector.
Port of Newcastle is working with other ports across Australia and New Zealand to champion the EcoPorts standard.
The port’s $35m Newcastle Bulk Terminal upgrade – which features a new ship unloader with crane and environmental monitoring systems – was listed as an example of how the port is improving safety and environmental compliance.
