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PORT OF DETROIT DECARBONISATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

The Port of Detroit began on a transformative journey to decarbonise its operations, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable port management. This page provides an overview of the strategies, challenges, and successes encountered in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • THE PORT OF DETROIT IS ON ROUTE TO REACH NET ZERO BY 2040

About

THE PROJECT

The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority underwent an ambitious decarbonisation project, with the goal to reduce the port’s environmental impact and improve air quality. The project was initiated by the Port Authority, in collaboration with Tunley Environmental and Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision. Tuley Environmental engaged private businesses to provide activity data from which to calculate emissions and collaborate to form a net zero roadmap. With the emissions inventory covering shipping, goods handling, and local trucking for private businesses, and high levels of data transparency, the port of Detroit is at the forefront of carbon reporting among ports in the Great Lakes.

Detroit River

PROJECT OUTCOMES AND DELIVERABLES

Executive Summary
DOWNLOAD THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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Testimonial
THE PORT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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"Excellent work from Rob, Emily and the entire team at Tunley Environmental. I wholeheartedly recommend Tunley to help organizations develop baseline calculations and creatively develop a pathway to green."

Mark Schrupp, Executive Director
Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority

Interactive Project Map
VIEW INDIVIDUAL TERMINAL RESULTS
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Press
FOX 2 NEWS PRESS RELEASE
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Videos
THE PORT OF DETROIT
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Resources
USEFUL RESOURCES ON BIOFUEL
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TERMINAL OPERATOR ENGAGEMENT

Throughout the project there has been continuous engagement with all stakeholders, terminal operators, local communities and more. It has been an important aspect of the project to keep everyone involved informed on the progress. Holding port committee meetings as well as lunch & learn catch ups to see project updates and progress.

Low Carbon Port Committee: Comprised of terminal operators and businesses with maritime activity, working together to reduce carbon emissions and seek funding to implement cleaner technology.

Port of Detroit Decarbonisation Advisory Board: Comprised of community members, environmental justice organisations to ensure the port region is on track to reduce emissions.

What Is The Reason Behind The Project?

BENEFITS OF PORT DECARBONISATION

The Decarbonisation will have significant benefits for the businesses and the wider community, including reduced emissions, increased efficiency, improved air quality, and improved environmental sustainability. In addition, the project is expected to increase efficiency and generate cost savings in the port and surrounding area.

Gradient Icons-72  Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Gradient Icons-132  Improved Air Quality
Gradient Icons-84-1  Future-Proofing Operations
Graident Icons-112  Increased Attractiveness for Investment

Gradient Icons-59  Global Leadership
Gradient Icons-139  Regulatory compliance
Gradient Icons-116  Competitive Edge vs Other Ports
Biodiversity Icons-25  Mitigation of Environmental Damage