The Port of Hueneme has signed on as a participant in Green Marine, the largest voluntary environmental certification program for the North American maritime industry.

The program, which was created in 2007, “makes it possible for ports, terminal operators and shipping lines to voluntarily reduce their environmental footprint through a comprehensive program that addresses key environmental issues and criteria,” the port said.

Certification is based on 11 performance indicators including air emissions, community impacts, and environmental leadership.

Participants must benchmark their year-over-year environmental performance through the program’s self-evaluation guides, have their results verified by an accredited external verifier and agree to publication of their individual results.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Hueneme as the first port in California to join the Green Marine program,” said David Bolduc, executive director of Quebec, Canada-headquartered Green Marine. “We have no doubt that the administration of this deepwater port will enhance our membership by sharing its environmental initiatives and best practices.”

The Port of Hueneme, located on California’s Central Coast, recently christened the first stage of its Wharf 1 shore-side power program.

Over the next 30 years, the electrification of the port’s Wharf 1 will reduce PM (Particulate Matter) by 92 percent, NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) by 98 percent and CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) by 55 percent. A second stage allowing additional ships to simultaneously plug-in is expected to be completed early next year.

“In addition to providing shore power to ships at berth, the port is also pursuing aggressive energy audits leading towards yet more positive environmental impacts,” said the port’s CEO and Executive Director Kristin Decas.