INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – (June 6, 2019) — The Ports of Indiana has received the coveted Green Marine certification for all three of its port locations for its commitment to advance environmental sustainability initiatives. It is the first state-wide port authority to achieve such distinction.

Green Marine is a voluntary initiative to improve environmental performance beyond regulatory compliance in key areas such as aquatic invasive species, greenhouse gases and air pollutants, spill prevention, dry bulk handling and storage, community impact, environmental leadership, storm water and waste management, and underwater noise.

The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor located on Lake Michigan received certification in 2014. Adding the two river ports, Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville and Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon, extends the benefits of the Green Marine certification process to the Inland Waterway System and carries with it the noted distinction for the two ports to be the first to do so along the Ohio River and the Upper Mississippi Basin.

“The Ports of Indiana is taking the maritime industry to the next level,” Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. “From storm water management to community impact, the Green Marine certification verifies the Ports of Indiana’s performance, achievements and commitment to implement continuous improvement across the our port system.”

“The Green Marine certification emphasizes our commitment to adopt practices and technologies that have a direct impact at our three port locations and beyond,” said Vanta E. Coda II, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. “We will continue to seek improvement of our environmental performance by adhering to the Green Marine guiding principles.”

As part of 2018 annual performance reported, Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor improved its score in the spill prevention category. Most notably, the Port improved in recognition of its adoption and implementation of its own storm water management program authorized by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management in November 2018.
At its annual GreenTech conference in Cleveland, OH, Green Marine presented the certificate to the Ports of Indiana’s General Counsel, Andrea Hermer.

“We’re so pleased to have the Jefferson and Mount Vernon ports join the Burns Harbor location that has been certified annually since 2014,” said David Bolduc, executive director for Green Marine. “Seeking Green Marine certification for the entirety of the State’s port network clearly demonstrates the commitment by the Ports of Indiana to greener practices.”

Green Marine’s 2019 results mark the 11th year of reporting by the program’s founding members.

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About the Ports of Indiana: The Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority operating three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Established in 1961, the Ports of Indiana is a self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana’s economy by developing and maintaining a world-class port system. Information: portsofindiana.com. Follow us on Twitter: @PortsofIndiana.

Media contact: Alicia Thomas athomas@portsofindiana.com