Green progression

Green progression       Imagine a marine transportation industry that releases no harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
      That's exactly what Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics did when it recently released its plan for a future marine terminal. The Castor Green Terminal, named for an endangered species of beaver, would be completely powered by electric-generating wind turbines and solar panels, and would go along with the company's zero-emissions concept ship Orcelle, which it unveiled five years ago.
      In today's market, WWL's futuristic vision seems fanciful to a beleaguered global maritime industry, which struggles to rebound from one of the worst economic downturns in its history. Yet the reality is environmental regulations worldwide are increasing for freight transportation and as the maritime industry regains its financial footing, it would be prudent to invest in 'green' programs, both internally and collectively as an industry.
      The image of a clean maritime industry is more important than ever, especially with the political and commercial fallout over the massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico. While maritime transportation had nothing to do with the incident, having a connection to the sea will in the public's eye. Pictures of dead fish, mammals and birds and human health complaints will only heighten the industry scrutiny by lawmakers.    Shippers with multibillion-dollar labels and products to protect will not want to be associated with polluting carriers.
      The maritime industry should be commended for recent technological upgrades to make for a cleaner connection to the air and water. More terminals are offering electric power from shore instead of requiring vessel operators to run their shipboard diesel engines while in port, cutting down significantly on the release of particulates into the atmosphere. Vessel operators have improved onboard waste containment systems and instructed their crews on the importance of being environmental stewards.
      Changes do not need to be costly or revolutionary for the industry to make a difference. For example, ocean container builders and lessors are studying ways to use less tropical hardwoods in their floors and employing water-based paint coatings instead of high solvent-laden paints (See article on pages 26-27).
      A little collective self-promotion in the general media also wouldn't hurt. The American railroads have done an effective job through television advertisements to promote to the general public their ability to take freight off the roads in the nation's crowded metropolitan areas.
      While it's O.K. for marine terminals and carriers to imagine a pollution-free future, the time is now to start facilitating green investments. The industry knows best what renewable energy technologies will set that course in motion. Don't wait for less qualified lawmakers to dictate the future. .