Port Corpus Christi becomes first Texan port to join Green Marine

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, USA – Port Corpus Christi, ranked the fifth largest port in the United States in total tonnage, is the newest participant in Green Marine, the largest voluntary environmental program for the maritime industry in North America.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Corpus Christi as the first port from Texas to join the Green Marine program,” says David Bolduc, Green Marine’s executive director. “With its newly adopted environmental policy, its desire to enhance environmental awareness, and its participation in our certification program, Port Corpus Christi is showing true commitment to sustainability.”

The Port of Corpus Christi Authority implemented an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System in 2007 to improve teamwork and interdepartmental collaboration and just recently revised its Environmental Policy.

“The EMS has created a proactive attitude among employees to help improve operational efficiency and pollution prevention,” says John P. LaRue, PCCA’s executive director. “Our port wants to demonstrate its continued commitment to environmental protection and we believe Green Marine’s detailed framework can help us achieve that goal.”  The Port of Corpus Christi Authority efforts under the Environmental Management System have been recognized locally and nationally.

“Green Marine certification aligns well with our strategic initiatives with regards to the environment and sustaining the clean air, water and soil that we have in our Port.” says Sarah Garza, PCCA’s Director of Environmental Planning & Compliance.

Green Marine’s environmental program offers a template for port authorities, terminal operators and shipping lines to voluntarily reduce their environmental footprint. The comprehensive program addresses key environmental issues using 12 performance indicators that include reducing air emissions, minimizing community impacts, and demonstrating environmental leadership.

The Green Marine certification process is rigorous and transparent: results are independently verified every two years and each company’s individual results are published.

About Port Corpus Christi

As the primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the 5th largest port in the United States in total tonnage.  Port Corpus Christi is strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight, 45’ deep channel, Port Corpus Christi provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. Port Corpus Christi is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an award-winning Environmental Management System.