Port of New Orleans gains Green Port certification

The Port of New Orleans recently received a Green Port certification from Green Marine, a U.S.-based environmental certification program for the port, marine and terminal industry.

This makes the Port of New Orleans the eighth within the U.S. to attain the certification, which is part of a voluntary environmental program. The program was specifically designed for the maritime industry based in North America.

“Green Marine provided us with an action plan to help the port reach the high environmental standards we set for ourselves,” Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange said. “While we are proud of the certification, we will continue to work diligently to be a more environmentally friendly organization.”

The Green Marine certification is a transparent, difficult and inclusive initiative that seeks to address nine issues pertaining to the environment. Its participants are ports, seaway corporations, shipowners, terminals and shipyards throughout the U.S. and Canada. Program leaders urge all  participants to decrease their environmental footprints through specific actions.

“The Port of New Orleans is recognized internationally as a leader in cargo and cruise operations,” Amelia Pellegrin, the port’s environmental manager, said. “As we continue to grow, we want to do so in an environmentally friendly way and serve as a leader in green initiatives and programs within our jurisdiction and beyond.”