Long Beach, China Merchants sign environmental accord

THE Port of Long Beach and terminal operator China Merchants Holdings International (CMHI) have signed an environmental agreement to foster the exchange of "green" technologies and practices on both sides of the Pacific.

"This agreement recognises that we are not only partners in trade, but partners in ideas and solutions that safeguard our environment and ensure a sustainable future for our seaports," said Nick Sramek, Port of Long Beach Board of Harbour Commissioners president, who signed the accord in Qingdao while on a trade mission with other port officials.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Port of Long Beach and CMHI means that both sides will collaborate on environmental issues such as marine wildlife, air quality, soils and sediments, water quality, sustainability and community engagement.

The accord is said to cover the exchange of technical information on improving air quality, the establishment of joint delegations to study port emissions and pollutants, as well as the ongoing development of control measures and best practices surrounding port and urban sustainability policies.

(Source: www.schednet.com)