In November last year, Green Marine announced that the terminals owned by the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), Cliffs Natural Resources–Eastern Canada, Pointe-Noire division, and Esso have joined its environmental program, while Aluminerie Alouette is also becoming a member in the ‘partner’ category.
This makes the Sept-I^les Port Authority (SIPA) the first port in North America with all its partners, including terminals and users, participating in the Green Marine environmental programme. Green Marine is a voluntary environmental programme for the Canadian and American marine industry with over 140 members, including over 60 participants (shipowners, 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-I^les Port Authority, Logistec Stevedoring Inc., Porlier Express, Groupe Desgagne´s, Ocean Group, and the City of Sept-I^les. Several shipowners active in Sept-I^les, including CSL Group, Cogema, McKeil Marine, and Fednav are also Green Marine members.
The Port of Sept-I^les 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-I^les 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-I^les 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 programme 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-I^les for taking the lead and rallying the troops,” he says. “Bringing in new members strengthens Green Marine’s environmental programme and allows us to forge ahead with our goal to reduce the marine industry’s environmental footprint.”