Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

1 7 6 NORTH AMERICA: V IEWPOINT F rom improving air quality to reducing waste, Galveston Wharves in Texas is identifying impactful ways to make long-term changes to improve the environment. Guided by Green Marine, a voluntary environmental programme for North America’s maritime industry, the port staff is researching, planning and implementing several environmental initiatives. The Green Marine environmental certification programme addresses key environmental issues through 12 performance indicators that include greenhouse gases, air emissions, spill prevention, waste management, environmental leadership, and community impacts. Some of these are applicable to shipping activities, others to landside operations. Galveston Wharves was certified in June, making it only the second Texas port participating in the programme. Joining Green Marine helps the port identify and implement best practices, manage its environmental initiatives, measure progress, and strive for continuous improvement. There are multiple programmes under way, including one focused on LNG fuel bunkering. As the international maritime industry transitions from heavy diesel fuel to clean-burning natural gas, the port could be the area’s first LNG fuel production and bunkering provider. Galveston Wharves views LNG fuelling as an important step in its commitment to environmental stewardship. With the number of LNG-fuelled vessels in the global fleet growing rapidly, having LNG fuelling services in the port is also an important step in the port’s commercial growth. LNG bunker demand may triple by 2024, according to a recent report from the International Energy Agency. In August, Galveston Wharves contracted Stabilis Solutions to provide shore-to-ship LNG fuel services by the end of 2021, pending necessary permits and approvals. Stabilis is a leading provider of energy transition services, including LNG and hydrogen fuelling solutions. Galveston Wharves is also in negotiations with the developer of a floating LNG production vessel and associated operations on port-owned land on Pelican Island. The site is on Galveston Bay, one of the busiest marine corridors in the USA with access to the ports of Galveston, Houston and Texas City. Developing shore power facilities is another of the port’s priorities. When docked, ships are typically powered by By Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves The Texas port is investing in LNG fuel bunkering, renewable energy, shore power, waste reduction and other eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its environmental impact Going green at Galveston Wharves In addition to a $2.1 billion annual impact on the Texas economy, the Galveston Wharves is aiming to be a leader in long-term environmental stewardship