In a major effort to reduce emissions from its large fleet of engine-powered equipment, Husky Terminal & Stevedoring, a major Port of Tacoma terminal operator, recently began using biodiesel fuel for all diesel-operated vehicles and container-handling equipment.
The Port of Tacoma is the economic engine of South Puget Sound, generating more than 43,000 jobs in Pierce County and more than 113,000 jobs across Washington state. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port handles an estimated $35 billion in annual trade and a 2005 volume of 2.07 million TEUs (20 ft. equivalent container units). The Port is also a major center for bulk, breakbulk and project/heavy-lift cargoes, as well as automobiles.
"While the cargo activity at our terminal brings great economic benefits to this region, we also want to reduce the negative impacts of our activity as much as possible," said Steve Bassett, assistant vice president. According to Bassett, his company has always embraced opportunities to make a positive difference for the community.
Bassett, whose terminal has served Japan-based "K" Line in Tacoma since 1988 said, "one of the ways we found we could achieve this was making the voluntary switch to biodiesel."
