Founding Member of Blue Sky Maritime Coalition
Port Houston continues its commitment to sustainability efforts in the maritime industry as a founding member of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition.
The coalition brings together various maritime organizations to collaborate on efforts to transition U.S. and Canada waterborne transportation toward net-zero GHG emissions. The group officially launched at the 33rd Annual Marine Money Week, which ran from June 21-23, 2021.
Blue Sky Maritime Coalition seeks to incorporate innovation in operational practices, support policy and encourage engagement with industry stakeholders regionally and globally to develop solutions that will reduce emissions throughout the value chain.
“At Port Houston, we know the importance of implementing sustainable practices now that will have farreaching positive impacts. We prioritize this in how we operate, in our use of technology, and how we respond to the needs of the communities where we do business,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston. “We are proud to be a founding member of the Blue Sky Coalition, where we can have a real impact on air quality for generations to come.”
Also this week Guenther was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) Board of Directors. This group will provide leadership on implementing coastal protection measures including flood control and surge protection.
“I thank Gov. Abbott for appointing me to serve on the Gulf Coast Protection District,” Guenther said. “The work we conduct as part of this district is about protecting lives and the Texas economy, and I am honored to serve.”
Port Houston is the advocate and a strategic leader for the Houston Ship Channel, which supports 3.2 million jobs and $802 billion in economic value.
These most recent steps align with Port Houston’s strategic goal to create greater value for the region. Other Port Houston sustainability efforts include the 2020 transition to 100% asset-backed renewable electricity, investments in low emissions equipment, and the recently drafted Clean Air Strategy Plan (CASP). Port Houston has reduced its air emissions by 55% since 2016.
Source: porthouston.com
