The Port of Everett says it has reduced emissions of nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases through a series of initiatives.

"All of these reductions are a direct result of the numerous efforts staff has taken over the last several years working under the umbrella of our environmental management system (EMS) and sustainability programs," says John Mohr, the port's executive director.

The port operates about 28% of its cargo handling equipment on non-diesel fuels. The equipment includes six Nissan 5,000 lb. (2,250 kg) electric-powered forklifts, five Mitsubishi 4,000 lb. (1,800 kg) propane forklifts and three Hyster 12,000 lb. (5,400 kg) gasoline forklifts.

"The smaller forklifts are used in prepping terminals for loading/unloading of cargo as well as moving cargo themselves," says Ellen Hiatt, the port's interim public relations and communications administrator.

The port operates three Linde reach stackers. Each 99,000 lb. (44,550 kg) reach stacker is equipped with diesel-oxidation catalysts and is compatible with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. "Our Linde reach stackers are used for moving containerised cargoes - loading and unloading - as well as special-purpose cargoes that require use of slings," Hiatt notes.

The Port of Everett is a natural deep-water port on Port Gardner Bay, part of Puget Sound, at the mouth of the Snohomish River. The Port of Everett is located 25 mi. (40 km) north of Seattle, Washington.

The port is among 14 members of the voluntary Puget Sound Maritime Air Forum, an association of private and public maritime organisations and government agencies.

The forum developed inventories of maritime air emissions in the region in 2005 as a base line and in 2011 with a focus on the performance of ocean-going ships, harbor vessels, cargo-handling equipment, rail, heavy-duty trucks, terminal fleet vehicles and recreational vessels associated with maritime activities. The most recent report was issued on 30 October.

The Port of Everett began developing an EMS in February 2006. "We graduated from our EMS class in April 2008," Hiatt says.