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The New York Shipping Association (NYSA) has announced it received the 2009 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Quality Award for Business on behalf of its members, the highest recognition presented to the public by the EPA.

“NYSA has long represented the best interests of the members of our organization – and by extension, the communities of New York and New Jersey,” said Frank M. McDonough, President of NYSA. “This recognition from EPA, acknowledges the significant environmental initiatives our members have undertaken to reduce their environmental footprint in our region.”

Presented to McDonough by Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou at an awards ceremony held at EPA Region 2 offices in New York on Friday, the award was given in recognition of NYSA’s members who have made great environmental strides over the past 10 years, and, continue to work towards a greener operation.

Diesel engines often contribute to poor air quality, as older engines and dirtier fuels emit high levels of particulates and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which is a precursor to ozone. In and around ports, equipment operating diesel engines includes tugboats, ferries, ships, trucks, locomotives and cargo-handling equipment. NYSA has facilitated a discussion group for terminal operators to help them evaluate the use of various environmental initiatives. Alternative energy sources are being tested and new technologies implemented.

Interestingly, while some may perceive the port to be a major cause of air pollution, two air quality reports provided to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Starcrest LLC, 2002 and 2004) reflected tremendous improvements in air emissions as a result of terminal redevelopment and equipment replacement. The reports found that port terminal operators and cargo vessels now constitute only one percent of the emissions in the Northern New Jersey air shed.

Changes to equipment and terminal operations over a five year period resulted in a 45% reduction of air emissions per ton of cargo. Predictions for the next two years show that by 2010, carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 811.18 tons per year. Some of the initiatives that contribute to this success include the institution of no idling zones in many port areas. Marine Terminal Operators are restricting idling times of diesel powered equipment through the use of automatic shutoff devices and electric plug-in technology; and all yard equipment now operates on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

NYSA recently conducted a carbon footprint assessment to provide a baseline to pinpoint greenhouse gas emissions from the commercial marine vessels operating within the port, port-related equipment and also from fuel burning sources at six commercial marine terminals, five auto marine terminals and associated locomotives which are part of the port. This is an ongoing process, which will help NYSA target future emission reductions.

“There are many challenges ahead, including the current economic slowdown, the rising cost of fuel, and global warming. But the shipping industry is rising to the challenge with innovative technology and clean solutions to our operations. Greener values must be part of all sound environmental policy that we develop. We are comfortable with the environmental stewardship role we play, supporting the resources that support us,” McDonough added. “NYSA and its members will continue to be good citizens of the global community in this port and around the world,” he concluded.