Bold plan to decarbonize Detroit port operations, improve air quality and residents’ health

News release from Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority and Tunley Environmental.
https://portdetroit.com
www.tunley-environmental.com

Release date: Earth Day, April 22, 2024

Media contacts:

Polaris Media
Charlie Miller
Email: charlie@polarismediapr.com

Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority:
Mark Schrupp
mschrupp@portdetroit.com

Tunley Environmental:
Robert Moorcroft
robertmoorcroft@tunley-environmental.com

Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision:
Raquel Garcia
raquel@sdevweb.org

Bold plan to decarbonize Detroit port operations, improve air quality and residents’ health

• Experts find Port of Detroit’s carbon emissions total almost 28,000 metric tons

• Sets out roadmap to net zero carbon emissions by 2040

• Highlights actions that can be taken for immediate reductions in emissions

• Continued collaboration among private terminal operators key to achieving plan’s goals.

The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority revealed details on Earth Day of an ambitious program to dramatically improve air quality and the health of residents by cutting carbon emissions to net zero by 2040. Working with technical experts from Tunley Environmental, and thanks to funding from the State of Michigan, it established that operations across the port region were responsible for 27,869 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, and that urgent action was needed. “The maritime industry is responsible for 3% of global emissions, and it’s growing. We must work to convert from fossil fuels to zero emission power sources in our ships, port equipment and trucks by 2040 in order to avoid catastrophic effects of climate change. But we’re not just concerned about 2040. The steps we’re announcing today on Earth Day will have an immediate impact on air quality and will improve the lives of residents in our community.” said Mark Schrupp, Port Authority executive director. Raquel Garcia, executive director of Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, the plan’s community engagement partner, agreed. “Southwest Detroit and downriver communities have some of the highest asthma rates in the country. The plans announced today – like converting to biodiesel fuel immediately – will improve the quality of the air we breathe,” she said. Robert Moorcroft, who led the year-long project for Tunley Environmental, gave credit to terminal operators, who voluntarily shared data and information about their operations. This collaboration was essential to developing an accurate assessment of carbon emissions and for identifying strategies to reduce emissions. “We have been pleasantly surprised by the way the business community has gotten behind the plan,” said Dr Moorcroft. “There is genuine and strong support for the plan, which convinces me that we will meet our goals.” Immediate actions highlighted in the plan to significantly reduce the port’s carbon footprint include the introduction of biodiesel, which emits 74 percent fewer emission than traditional diesel and is compatible with most of the equipment used in the terminals today. Simultaneously, the plan advocates the transition to electric and hydrogen powered port equipment and trucks, as well as the continued research for a zero-emission replacement fuel for cargo ships. Port Authority Chairman and Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan C. Kinloch stressed: “This report is not an end, but a beginning in the Port of Detroit’s road to becoming a sustainable port and reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2040. We envision a port that is economically and environmentally viable, where good jobs, growing businesses, and clean air can thrive together. This plan helps set the course for us to follow.” For the full Executive Summary visit: : https://portdetroit.com/decarb-executive-summary About Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority: The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority (the Port Authority) is a government agency advancing southeast Michigan’s maritime and related industries with the purpose of delivering prosperity and economic benefit to our citizens and businesses. For more than 45 years, the Port Authority has worked to build connections between the community and the maritime industry and the Great Lakes region, raising awareness of the importance of the Port of Detroit and how the cargo and vessel activity generates economic impact for the State of Michigan. Boasting the title of Michigan’s largest inland port, the Port of Detroit is located on along the Detroit and Rouge Rivers within Wayne County. The Port Authority oversees the port, which is made up of multiple marine terminals for handling general, liquid, and bulk cargo as well as passengers. About Tunley Environmental: Tunley Environmental comprises a large team of PhD-level scientists with extensive knowledge and expertise in environmental sciences. This comprehensive understanding allows the company to provide innovative and scientific solutions at the highest level to clients. Headquartered in the UK with significant global projects, its science-based approach and commercial aptitude ensures it can identify realistic opportunities to reduce the negative impact organizations and products have on the environment. About Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision: Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the environment and strengthen the economy of Southwest Detroit through partnership with residents, community organizations, government agencies, schools, businesses and industry to combat environmental issues, including air quality, blight (illegal dumping, graffiti, abandoned homes), and incompatible land use. SDEV is funded through memberships, individual and corporate donations, and grants. SDEV’s work would not be possible without the dedication of our community volunteers.