Australian ports are making international waves in the world of sustainability, with Ports Australia, Port of Brisbane and Gladstone Ports being awarded runner-up prizes in the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Sustainability Awards.
Ports Australia was shortlisted as a finalist for its Port Sustainability Strategy Development Guide, Port of Brisbane for their Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, Gladstone Ports Corporation for their Expansion of community parklands project.
While disappointing to not bring some gold down under, Ports Australia said that having three Australian industry members making the finals is an incredible achievement and a testament to the work being done by Australian ports to fortify their future through sustainable practice and planning.
The national peak body industry also extended its congratulations to all the winners, including one of its own valued members, DP World, who took out the top spot in the Governance and Ethics Category with their Global Education Programme.
Ports Australia’s CEO, Mike Gallacher shared why recognition, while not a focus, is an important part of worldwide industry collaboration.
“The purpose of sustainability planning extends far further than the recognition it might receive through awards like these, but it is important to reflect the positive direction in which our sector is heading and learn from each other’s future-focused work,” Gallacher said.
“Thank you and congratulations to Ports Australia’s Sustainability Working Group and Sprott Planning & Environment for their expertise and dedication to the production of our Port Sustainability Strategy Development Guide… this is their award,” he said.
He continued that it’s safe to say many of Ports Australia’s members will be back in years to come with gold in their sights if they keep up their innovation towards sustainability practice and planning.
Winners included MPA Singapore, who won for their Digital Port Ecosystem project under the Resilient Digital Infrastructure category, and Port of Rotterdam under the Climate and Energy category for their Zero Emission Services project.