Foss joins U.S. EPA partnership to improve energy efficiency and air quality

(SEATTLE, WA — August 7, 2007) Foss today announced that it joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary collaboration between U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry designed to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. Foss is the first carrier accepted into the program for its marine transportation services.

Foss has pledged to contribute to the partnership’s goal to reduce 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012 by improving the environmental performance of its marine operations. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, and nitrogen oxide is an air pollutant that contributes to smog.

“I am pleased to welcome Foss Maritime Company to the SmartWay Transport Partnership,” said Margo T. Oge, Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, EPA. “They join the Partnership in a commitment to increase fuel efficiency and make freight-related environmental improvements.”

“Participation in this program is one of a number of steps Foss is taking to contribute positively to the communities in which we operate,” said Gary C. Faber, Foss President and COO.

“We consider proactively safeguarding the environment for our employees and community members an important part of our company’s mission,” said Faber.

Foss recently announced it will build the first true hybrid tug boat, scheduled to be delivered in 2008 to Southern California where it will work in the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Together, these ports handle over 40 percent of all containerized cargo coming into or leaving the United States. The Foss hybrid tug is expected to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions when compared to its sister tugs currently operating in the same market.

Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year.  The Partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and others to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies.  The Partnership currently has nearly 600 Partners.

By Professional Mariner Staff