Port of Newcastle has been certified as an environmentally sustainable port by the International EcoPorts network.
The port, which became the first Australian port to join the network a year ago, is now one of 115 ports around the world to have been certified under the program.
The certification followed a series of assessments by Lloyd's Register to measure the port against best practice management around the world.
It comes as the port pursues several diversification projects to meet the future needs of the Hunter and NSW economies.
Environment, sustainability and planning manager, Jackie Spiteri, said the EcoPorts certification was an important milestone for the organisation, recognising its commitment to environmental management and sustainability.
"Gaining EcoPorts certification for this leading global standard recognises the work Port of Newcastle is doing to enhance its contribution to the social, economic and environmental outcomes for the Hunter Region and NSW," Ms Spiteri said.
"Given sustainability is central to the port's business strategy, we are actively working to manage the environmental challenges we face as a city-port by focusing on diversifying trade and improving efficiency and safety of the supply chain.
"We are also seeking to minimise and offset the Port's environmental footprint and partnering with employees, customers and the community."
Certification also enables valuable collaboration and learning opportunities with other similarly-committed ports around the world, including the highly-regarded teams at Port of Rotterdam, Port of Hamburg and Port of Amsterdam.
Developed in 1997, EcoPorts remains the only environmental management standard specific to the global port sector that actively addresses and manages the complex environmental challenges ports face.
Port of Newcastle continues to work with a number of other ports across Australia and New Zealand to champion the EcoPorts standard, with several now pursuing the opportunity to participate in the global initiative.
The port's $35 million Newcastle Bulk Terminal upgrade - which features a new ship unloader with state-of-the-art crane and environmental monitoring systems - is one example of how the organisation is committed to the latest in safety and environmental compliance.
The port is also continuing to improve efficiency, and reduce fuel, power and water consumption across its operations in order to reduce its environmental impact.
