Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins discusses the policy and regulatory framework for sustainable ports

Ryan Calkins is the commissioner of the Port of Seattle, the government agency that oversees the Seattle Seaport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. With an extensive portfolio that includes parks, waterfront properties and some of the largest container terminals on the West Coast, the Port of Seattle is a key economic factor in the Pacific Northwest. In this article, Commissioner Calkins examines the key elements and benefits of the policy and regulatory framework designed to support sustainable port activities.

An integral part of global trade and commerce, the maritime industry has traditionally been associated with significant environmental impacts. Ports, as key nodes in this industry, face the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. An effective policy and regulatory framework is essential to steer ports towards sustainable practices. This framework not only ensures compliance with environmental standards, but also supports innovation and collaboration between stakeholders.

Ryan Calkins explains the need for sustainable ports

Ports are bustling communication hubs, handling the flow of goods, passengers and energy resources. However, these activities can result in air and water pollution, habitat destruction and significant carbon dioxide emissions. Sustainable ports like the Port of Seattle aim to mitigate these impacts by implementing practices that protect the environment while maintaining economic vitality. Achieving this balance requires a strong policy and regulatory framework that sets clear standards and encourages continuous improvement.

Key elements of a sustainable port policy

Environmental regulations and standards

Governments and international bodies establish regulations to control pollution and manage environmental impacts. Ryan Calkins, port commissioner, says they include limits on air and water pollutants, waste management protocols and ballast water discharge restrictions to prevent the spread of invasive species. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plays a key role in setting global standards such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Emission Control Areas (ECAs)

ECAs are designated maritime areas where more stringent controls are enforced on sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships. Ports in ECAs must comply with these stringent emissions standards, which often leads to the adoption of cleaner fuels and advanced emissions reduction technologies.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Ryan Calkins, Commissioner for Ports, explains that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, including goals that directly relate to ports, such as Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and the Sustainable Development Goal 13 (climate action). Ports are integrating these goals into their policies, ensuring compliance with the global Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable development plans for individual ports

Many ports are developing their own sustainability plans, tailored to their unique operational contexts and environmental challenges. These plans set specific targets for reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, increasing biodiversity and promoting social responsibility.

Regulatory framework to promote sustainable practices

National and regional legislation

Countries implement laws to regulate port activities and enforce environmental standards. For example, the European Union’s Port Reception Facilities Directive requires ports to provide adequate waste reception facilities and ensures that ships do not discharge waste into the sea.

Incentives and penalties

Governments and port authorities use various incentives and penalties to encourage sustainable practices. Ryan Calkins, port commissioner, says some of those incentives could include tax breaks, subsidies and reduced port fees for ships that meet environmental standards. Conversely, penalties for non-compliance can be severe, including fines and port access restrictions.

Green Port Certification Programs

Certification programs such as the EcoPorts and Green Marine initiatives provide a framework for ports to achieve and demonstrate environmental excellence. These programs offer guidance, performance metrics and third-party verification to help ports systematically improve their sustainability performance.

Public-private partnerships (PPP)

PPPs facilitate cooperation between government entities, port authorities, private companies and non-governmental organizations. These partnerships leverage diverse expertise and resources to implement sustainable projects such as renewable energy installations, habitat restoration and green infrastructure development.

Sustainable policy at the Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle, the largest and fastest-growing cruise market on the West Coast, has successfully implemented sustainability policies, generating annual revenues of approximately $900 million. Ryan Calkins reports that for 20 years, the port has made environmental protection a priority, striving to be the cleanest and most energy-efficient port in North America.

Key initiatives and achievements

Water quality protection

• Voluntary Agreement on Clean Water: The port, cruise lines and regulators maintain a unique understanding to protect water quality.
• Waste management: Cruise ships implement rigorous solid waste and recycling programs, focusing on reducing single-use plastics.
• Preventing sewage discharge: Since 2004, a memorandum of understanding with the Washington State Department of Ecology has prevented sewage discharges from cruise ships.
• Stormwater practices: Stringent management practices apply to moored cruise ships.
• Flue gas treatment: From 2020, there is a ban on discharging rinsing water from the exhaust gas treatment system on cruise ships.

Air pollution and climate change mitigation

• Clean air strategy: Collaborating since 2008, Northwest Ports’ Clean Air Strategy aims to eliminate air pollution and reduce carbon emissions by 2050.
• Emission reduction: Since 2005, diesel particulate emissions have fallen by 84% and greenhouse gas emissions by 17%.
• Emission Control Area: Ryan Calkins also notes that the Port has supported regulations that limit sulfur content in fuels within 200 miles of the coast, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Edge Power: Clean shore energy is provided at two cruise piers, with plans to expand this network to all piers by 2023. The goal is to ensure 100% shore power connection by 2030.
• Zero emission equipment: More than 90% of reloading equipment is powered by electricity or propane.
• Clean Energy Strategic Plan: The port is developing a plan to build zero-emission infrastructure, including onshore energy.

Economic impact

• Economic contributions: The cruise industry employs more than 5,500 people and generates nearly $900 million in revenue during typical operations.
• World Class Amenities: The port can handle large ships thanks to its deepwater port and award-winning infrastructure, conveniently located close to Seattle’s waterfront and airport.

In 2022, the port joined 14 organizations to create the world’s first cruise-focused Green Corridor, exploring decarbonization strategies from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the Port of Seattle’s leadership in sustainable port operations.

Benefits of a sustainable port policy

Environmental Protection

Effective policies and regulations significantly reduce the environmental footprint of port operations. Ryan Calkins, Port Commissioner, explains that cleaner air and water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and preserved biodiversity are direct benefits of sustainable port practices.

Economic Competitiveness

Sustainable ports are often more efficient and resilient, making them more competitive in the global market. Investments in green technologies and infrastructure can lead to cost savings and open up new business opportunities.

Social responsibility

Ports that prioritize sustainability contribute to the well-being of their surrounding communities by reducing pollution-related health risks and creating green jobs. Collaboration with local stakeholders ensures that port development is consistent with community needs and values.

Regulatory compliance and risk management

Ryan Calkins, port commissioner, says proactively adopting sustainable practices helps ports stay ahead of regulatory requirements while avoiding costly fines and legal issues. This forward-looking approach also reduces the risks associated with environmental incidents and the effects of climate change.

Application

The policy and regulatory framework is crucial in steering ports towards sustainable development. By setting clear environmental standards, providing incentives for green practices and supporting cooperation between stakeholders, this framework ensures that ports can operate efficiently while protecting the environment. Ryan Calkins, Port Commissioner, says that as global demand for maritime trade continues to grow, sustainable port policy will play a key role in striking a balance between economic development and environmental management. The successes of ports like Los Angeles, Rotterdam and Singapore show that with the right policies in place, ports can thrive sustainably, setting a benchmark for the rest of the industry.