Five of the world’s leading container port operators have jointly undertaken a week-long initiative to promote sustainable resource usage in their respective port and facility networks.

During the fifth annual Go Green Initiative, 8,332 employees of DP World, Hutchison Ports, PSA International, Port of Rotterdam and Shanghai International Port Group collected a total of 1,966 kg of aluminium cans and 2,227 mobile phones for recycling, said a statement.

The choice of two very different waste products for collection and recycling was intentional.

Aluminium cans are one of the most recyclable waste items, while mobile phones are e-waste that contain many valuable resources as well as toxic components that can negatively impact both human health and the environment if improperly disposed of.

The purpose was to reinforce a simple message among participating employees – that of the need to think twice about the consequences of discarding waste.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and chief executive officer, DP World, said: “As we enter the fifth year of Go Green, our sector is more conscious than ever before about the universal importance of the campaign.”

“This year we saw thousands of volunteers from across our global network committing their time to the campaign. Being green is part of our culture and with our Go Green partners we have demonstrated how collaboration can create social value and lasting impact worldwide. By coming together, we can all make a sustainable difference in the communities in which we operate,” he said.

Hutchison Ports group managing director Eric Ip said: “The annual Go Green initiative provides a great opportunity for major companies in our industry, including Hutchison Ports, to promote sustainability among port workers.”

“This year, teams at 34 of our ports took up the challenge, with many donating any proceeds from recycling to community charities and engaging in fun reuse-themed follow-up activities following the collection. The activities were a rewarding staff-oriented complement to our daily efforts to improve operational sustainability,” he said.

PSA International group chief executive officer Tan Chong Meng said: “This is the fifth year PSA staff around the world have been involved in this meaningful joint initiative, and we will continue our efforts to expand our green footprint while contributing towards vibrant economies and communities.”

“In addition to the annual green activities undertaken by employees, PSA continually seeks to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases in port operations, by supporting a progressive shift towards electric cranes, LNG trucks and energy-efficient buildings,” he said.

“With cleaner energy sources, emerging new technologies and concerted efforts, we envision a sustainable future for generations to come,” he added.

Port of Rotterdam Authority chief executive officer Allard Castelein said: “Port of Rotterdam is working hard on energy transition and sustainability.”

“With the campaign we aim to increase the awareness of our employees about opportunities to reduce their own ecological footprint. That is why we join initiatives such as Go Green,” he added.

Shanghai International Port Chairman Chen Xuyuan said: “Through Go Green, our employees can contribute to the community where we operate. With our fully automated terminal put into use, SIPG is practicing what it has promised, notably in terms of emissions reduction and energy saving.”

“We also continuously encourage our staff to get in the habit of cutting waste, recycling and reusing items, so as to support sustainable operations across all our terminals,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service