Port of Cleveland sets aim on zero emissions with first climate action plan

The Port of Cleveland has approved its 2024-2028 strategic plan and its first climate action plan to grow the city's shipping industry while advancing sustainability.

As the first port in the Great Lakes region with a climate action plan, the Port of Cleveland aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Its goal aligns with the City of Cleveland, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, and the Biden administration’s decarbonization targets.

“We're out in front and leading in terms of how we decarbonize our port, how do get to a point where we can run everything off electricity, not off of fossil fuels, and how we do our part not only for climate change, but also lessen impacts on our neighbours as well,” Will Friedman, the port’s president and CEO says.

The primary focus is to electrify the port’s equipment and operations by 2050, possibly utilizing solar energy and other renewable power sources. The port’s administration will also collaborate with business partners to reduce emissions, and offer incentives for carbon reduction.

The port recognizes the importance of balancing economic development with environmental concerns and aims to support historically disadvantaged businesses while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.