Sydney:Ports Australia has accepted the invitation to join the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP).
The WPSP is an initiative by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH). Guided by the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Program aims to enhance and coordinate future sustainability efforts of ports worldwide, foster international cooperation with partners in the supply chain.
Ports Australia represents some 80 Australian Ports, which includes all of the country’s metro Ports. It also has six Marine Authority members, including several State-level Departments for Transport and Infrastructure.
“Ports Australia is delighted to join a group of organisations that are working together to enhance and coordinate future sustainability efforts of communities worldwide that incorporate ports. Australian Ports operate in a diverse range on environments and communities and each one is faced with its own unique challenges. There has been a deep-rooted understanding and respect in Australia for our unique environments and the communities that rely on our Ports. This has driven port operators to constantly explore innovative ways of running their terminals. From solar power, to marine rehabilitation, eliminating toxic fire-fighting foam and building a resilient and diverse workforce, Australian Ports have much to be proud of and we want to share our experiences with the wider global port community,” Mike Gallacher, Ports Australia’s Chief Executive said.
With the agreement signed, both signatories are expected to commence work in the near future in the fields of governance, the optimization of vessel calls, environmental landside management and LNG bunkering.
“Our Ports are actively seeking better ways to operate and we are looking forward to engaging with the WPSP to learn and share our knowledge and experience with the world,” Mike Gallacher concluded.
