Port of Sept-Îles first to get all partners on board with Green Marine

Sept-Îles, November 21, 2011 – Green Marine is pleased to announce that the terminals owned by the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), Cliffs Natural Resources–Eastern Canada, Pointe-Noire division, and Imperial Oil (Esso) have joined its environmental program, while Aluminerie Alouette is also becoming a member in the “partner” category.

This makes the Sept-Îles Port Authority (SIPA) the first port in North America with all its partners, including terminals and users, participating in the Green Marine environmental program. Green Marine is a voluntary environmental program for the Canadian and American marine industry with over 140 members, including over 60 participants (ship owners, ports, terminals, and shipyards).

The close working relationships between the various Port users were instrumental in getting all the key players on board for this sustainable development initiative. In embracing Green Marine, these organizations are following the lead of the Sept-Îles Port Authority, Logistec Stevedoring Inc., Porlier Express, Groupe Desgagnés, Ocean Group, and the City of Sept-Îles. Several ship owners active in Sept-Îles, including CSL Group, Cogema, McKeil Marine, and Fednav are also Green Marine members.

The Port of Sept-Îles has a long track record on sustainable development. It worked with the St. Lawrence Economic Development Council (SODES) to draft the environmental policy that led to the creation of Green Marine. “The Port of Sept-Îles has always cared deeply for the environment, and considers the environmental implications at the outset of major developments projects,” said Pierre D. Gagnon, President and CEO of the Sept-Îles Port Authority. “Convincing all Port users to join Green Marine shows that the whole marine industry is on the same page and committed to working together to continue improving and to achieve environmental excellence,” he added.

Green Marine’s executive director David Bolduc notes that applying the environmental program to every sphere of its operations shows the Port is serious about sustainable development. “We congratulate our new members for making this commitment to the environment, and applaud the Port of Sept-Îles for taking the lead and rallying the troops,” he says. “Bringing in new members strengthens Green Marine’s environmental program and allows us to forge ahead with our goal to reduce the marine industry’s environmental footprint.”