More is better!
The Port of Montreal is committed to improving its environmental footprint.
Like all other Canadian Port Authorities, the Montreal Port Authority is subject to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and federal regulations covering environmental assessment of its projects. The port also requires that its tenants comply with environmental regulations that govern their handling activities.
The port also introduced several environmental initiatives:
Environmental Policy
In 2001, the MPA adopted an environmental policy based on four principles:
- Environmental compliance of its operations
- Protection of the environment
- Environmental management
- Awareness of its environmental commitment
Environmental Management System
In 2007, the MPA set the bar even higher by developing an environmental management system (EMS) for its activities. Only 11% of ports around the world have implemented similar systems and the initiative has led to the creation of several other programs within the port’s management activities, including:
- The environmental compliance auditing program for the MPA and its tenants
- The soil and groundwater management program
- The waste and surface water management program
- The inclusion of environmental clauses in leases
- The environmental project impact and assessment program
Green measures
The Port of Montreal is also taking measures to reduce its environmental footprint out in the field. The following are a few examples:
- In March 2011, the port implemented a new truck entry portal that has reduced transaction times by 80% and waiting times by 50%. In 2011, the project earned an Award of Excellence in the Transportation and Merchandise category from l’Association québécoise du transport et des routes (AQTR).
- The port’s fleet of service and maintenance vehicles is gradually being phased out and replaced with hybrid vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 39%.
- The port’s locomotives have been replaced with multiple-generator locomotives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHSs) by 90% and fuel consumption by 54%.
Green Marine
In 2008, the MPA along with other partners founded Green Marine, an industry initiative of the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes that aims to guide the maritime industry towards environmental excellence. Its mission is to make maritime transport greener and more sustainable.
Acclaimed by the international maritime community and comprising more than 60 members, this initiative won first prize in the Green Shipping Initiatives of the Year category at the Sustainable Shipping Awards ceremony in London in July 2011.
Green Marine has developed an interactive map that offers information about its participants.
Green Award Foundation
In 2009, the MPA became a member of the Green Award Foundation, an international initiative that gives rebates to ships that have obtained Green Award certification based on rigorous standards, particularly in terms of safety, seaworthiness and environmental performance.
