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The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has named two of the Port of Seattle's environmental programs as winners in the 2011 Environmental Improvement Awards competition.

The port won the Comprehensive Environmental Management award for its implementation of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy and was honoured for stakeholder awareness, education, and involvement in the Terminal 117 cleanup process.

"The Port of Seattle is committed to protecting our environment. We're pleased the port's innovative programs are examples of effective environmental leadership," said Commission President Bill Bryant.

The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy is a joint effort of the ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver, B.C., to proactively reduce emissions from maritime operations.

The Port of Seattle was singled out for the Comprehensive Environmental Management award for implementing the short-term (2010) goals of the strategy.

The At-Berth Clean Fuels Vessel Incentive Program (ABC Fuels) provides a financial incentive to shipping lines that use low-sulphur fuels while berthed in Seattle's harbor. ABC Fuels recently celebrated its 800th vessel call and is said to have removed approximately 500 metric tonnes of sulphur emissions from Seattle's harbor.

"We appreciate that the port has created a successful model for cleaning up the air in our industry. The port's approach is a win for our community because it promotes good jobs while making great strides in reducing emissions for us and for our friends and neighbors," said Cameron Williams, President, ILWU Local 19.

The awards will be presented at the AAPA Annual Meeting, which will be held in Seattle later this year.