Port of San Diego’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship Rewarded with Green Marine Recertification
Contact: Josh Kellems, 619.642.1153, jkellems@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego is proud to announce its recertification by Green Marine, North America’s largest voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry. The Port first enrolled in Green Marine in 2018 and has achieved annual certification since.
To earn recertification, the Port participated in a rigorous evaluation of its environmental initiatives related to greenhouse gas and air pollutant reduction efforts, community impacts, community relations, environmental leadership, spill prevention and stormwater management, underwater noise, and waste management. The Port was then given a rank on a 1-to-5 scale. Level 1 indicates the monitoring of regulations and Level 5 reflects excellence and leadership. The Port received top marks in six of the seven applicable categories. Overall, the Port of San Diego ranked in the top ten percent of North American ports in the Green Marine program with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 across all categories.
“As environmental champions dedicated to protecting the health and environment of San Diego Bay and the surrounding portside communities, the Port of San Diego is honored to be Green Marine recertified,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Green Marine’s certification is recognized through North America as a symbol of environmental excellence, which reaffirms our commitment to a thriving, healthy San Diego Bay for all.”
Green Marine’s 2023 certification program had 220 reports, the largest class of participants to date. They included ship owners, port authorities, terminal operators, shipyard managers, and seaway corporations. Certificates were distributed during the GreenTech 2024 conference June 5-7 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Participants complete a self-evaluation annually and meet with a third-party verifier every two years for re-certification based on the most recent self-evaluation. Verification includes interviews, site visits, and reviews of project and program documentation to support reported scores.
SSA Marine added their San Diego terminal for Green Marine certification. They are the first Port of San Diego tenant to participate in the program. Decarbonization made big strides this year, with two-thirds of participants achieving Level 3 or higher for the Green House Gas (GHG) performance indication. Once again, shipyards were the category with the largest growth percentage in terms of participation. The Community Relations and Community Impacts indicators went up 65 net levels, which represents 70 percent of all level upgrades by landside participants in 2023.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO ENVIRONMENT
Port of San Diego Environment champions the safekeeping and environmental care of our diverse ecosystems. Year after year, environmental goals are set and measured to evolve environmental initiatives – ensuring San Diego Bay remains a vibrant resource and contributes to a remarkable way of life for visitors and residents for generations to come.