ABSTRACT
286The chapter examines the apparently discrete areas of port and environmental management makes the case for practicable integration of their environmental implementation strategies through collaborative effort to mutual advantage of their commercial interests and the environment as a whole. The global, strategic significance of the wide range of activities and operations facilitated through the shipping industry and port sector is established in terms of world trade, importance to the nation-state, and the increasingly significant, timely, and topical environmental imperative. With examples drawn from the United States and Europe, the major issues are identified, and the various management response options are examined in terms of policy, environmental management systems, implementation, and case studies. The legislative and regulatory regimes are summarized, stakeholder pressure is identified by interest area, and the benefits of a proactive response to environmental liabilities and responsibilities are tabulated. The challenge of filling the gap between policy and actual delivery of continuous improvement of environmental quality is addressed through examination of the role and implementation of environmental management systems. Baseline and benchmark performance is established with reference to surveys of port sector achievements over the last 10 years of collaborative research and development of practicable tools and methodologies. Finally, an overview of options, instruments, and approaches for encouraging and facilitating further advances in the effective environmental management of port and shipping activities is set out for consideration. In closing, a paradigm shift is proposed and a call for a sustainable environmental philosophy is set forth as a framework for future maritime actions.
