Port of Devonport leading the way on global environmental and sustainability standard

The Port of Devonport has been certified by EcoPorts, the global environmental and sustainability standard for the ports sector.

The Tasmanian port is the first in the state (and the third Australian port after Newcastle and Geelong) to be certified by EcoPorts.

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the international recognition provided a strong demonstration to the Tasmanian community and its customers that TasPorts was operating at an environmental standard in line with other certified ports around the world.

“It is an important, independent accreditation benchmarked against a global port environmental standard,” he said.

“It recognises our commitment to environmental management and sustainability, providing external credibility to the port and TasPorts.”

EcoPorts, established more than 20-years-ago and administered by an independent not-for-profit, it is the only Environmental Management Standard specific to the global port sector that addresses and manages a port’s complex environmental challenges.

The $240 million QuayLink investment at East Devonport provides the perfect case study for the port’s EcoPorts accreditation.

TasPorts, Spirit of Tasmania and the Hazell Brady joint venture have signed a formal Construction Charter that commits the parties to protecting the local marine and coastal environment during construction.

Under the Charter, the protection of the environment is a collective responsibility. Further, TasPorts is committed to being a good neighbour to East Devonport businesses and residents, minimising any inconvenience while the works are completed.

“Also today, TasPorts has released the QuayLink Sustainability Snapshot, a forward-thinking reporting method that captures the decisions, activities and outcomes that enhance sustainability across the project,” Mr Donald said.

“By measuring our impacts and committing to an open and transparent reporting process, the Sustainability Snapshot covers environment, social and governance measures that go above and beyond industry compliance measures positively contributing to our port communities.”

The Snapshot can be accessed here: QuayLink Project Updates (tasports.com.au)

Mr Donald said TasPorts wanted EcoPorts certification for its four major ports.

“TasPorts is planning to have its other major ports at Burnie, Hobart and Bell Bay certified to the international standard this financial year (2023/24),” he said.

“The accreditation process is a good internal process to go through.

“It allows for a greater focus on the unique environmental nuances of each port, allowing the organisation to develop a deeper knowledge of the environmental assets of each port.”

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