Port Clean Air Program

A port clean air program is a comprehensive initiative used by some ports to address air emissions from shipping and port operations. Such a program is generally established and implemented by a port authority with input from other stakeholders. Such a program normally sets specific emission reduction targets for a port and develops a roadmap to achieve those targets. To ensure success, the management would follow continuous improvement cycle and success is measured and monitored and target revised periodically based a Plan – Do – Check – Act (PDCA) process cycle (ICCT December 2012).

As any other management continuous improvement cycle, the port clean air program will be successful where the management and staff of port authorities and regulatory agencies are committed to the improvement of air quality in the region. In addition, the participation from other stakeholders and port relate organisations give the clean air team more influence and authority over the air quality improvement in the port. A successful port clean air program is dependent on the identification, evaluation, and use of appropriate technologies and operational strategies. During the “Plan” stage, it is required to determine emission mitigation measures and coordinate with different stakeholders to implement these measures. After choosing the right measures and during other parts of the cycle, the measures need to be executed and their effectiveness monitored. Finally, the overall achievements need to be reviewed and assessed against the initial targets and objectives. So far, a number of ports have been developing and implementing the “port clean air programme” as documented in ICCT reports (MariEMS 2017).