Zero emissions marine container terminal opens in the Netherlands – Why should we demand less of U.S. ports?

Source: MAASVLAKTE 2 – A NEW PART OF THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM

The term “sustainable” is often used gratuitously, sometimes by the biggest polluters. So, I wasn’t too impressed when I saw a headline about a sustainable marine container terminal. Wow, was I wrong!

APM Terminals, which operates container terminals around the world, including at the Ports of Charleston, Houston, Los Angeles, and several other US cities, has opened a truly sustainable port which generates zero emissions.

The newly opened Maasvlakte II Rotterdam container terminal in the Netherlands uses 100% renewable energy to power its advanced remote control cranes, Lift-Automated Guided Vehicles (Lift-AGVs) and dozens of Automated Rail Mounted Gantry (ARMG) Cranes and rail cranes.

Currently, it has a capacity of 2.7 million containers (TEUs), and will be expanded to 4.5 million.

Why should we demand less from U.S. ports and terminal operators?  Why should any port authority or local government approve a marine terminal or terminal expansion unless the terminal operator can meet the zero emissions standard set by Maasvlakte II Rotterdam?

For more information:

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Terminal Officially Opens; New Era in Port Operations is Celebrated, APM

MAASVLAKTE 2 – A NEW PART OF THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM 

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Opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent positions of the Moving Forward Network or its members. Errors are the responsibility of the author.