WILMINGTON, N.C. --- NC State Ports Authority commends U.S. EPA proposal to reduce vessel emissions.

The North Carolina State Ports Authority joins the American Association of Ports Authorities in commending the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s joint proposal with Canada to the International Maritime Organization to create a 230-mile emissions control area around much of their coastline. This effort will reduce the allowable emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (Sox) and particulate matter (PM) from ocean-going ships, initiating a reduction in air pollution. Link to AAPA story

The NC State Ports Authority is committed to increasing environmental sustainability both inside and outside its facilities. The Authority recently received a $140,000 grant for diesel emission control devices from the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) to retrofit existing cargo handling equipment and machinery with devices that reduce air emissions at the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City. 

Other ongoing Ports Authority initiatives include adopting ultra low sulfur diesel fuel as the primary off-road diesel fuel on July 1, 2007, over three years in advance of federal requirements. Also in 2007, the Authority put into service four new environmentally-friendly electrified container cranes, and is exploring additional grants that would replace other specialized cargo handling diesel equipment with all electric units. The NC State Ports Authority also has been awarded grants to install biodiesel fuel tanks at its facilities and to retrofit lighting in its warehouses.