The port authority received an overall score of 3.38 on Green Marine’s five-level environmental certification scale, exceeding the average score for ports and seaway participants of 3.3 and the overall program average of 3.1. The results were published in Green Marine International’s annual performance report, which compiles independently verified environmental performance data from maritime industry participants across North America and Europe.  

Green Marine reported receiving 244 evaluations covering 1,690 performance indicators during the 2025 certification cycle. The organization said 45% of participants achieved at least one Level 5 score, while 93% reached an average of Level 2 or higher.  

For ports, Green Marine reported an average overall score of 3.3, the highest among participant groups. Community Relations remained the strongest-performing category, with an average score of 4.0, while the Aquatic Ecosystems indicator recorded the largest year-over-year improvement, increasing to 3.2 from 2.7 in 2024.  

According to the report, Green Marine certified 223 participants as of May 2026, including ports, terminals, ship owners and shipyards operating in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, Mexico and the Bahamas.  

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority’s individual results included Level 5 scores in Community Impacts, a Level 4 score in Community Relations and Environmental Leadership, and Level 3 scores in Air Emissions and Aquatic Ecosystems. The port authority also received a Level 3 score for Waste Management.  

The authority said its overall score improved 4% from the previous year despite more stringent certification requirements introduced in 2025. Program updates included expanded community impact criteria, broader underwater noise mitigation measures for ports and higher greenhouse gas reduction targets.  

“Each year, the Green Marine standards become more rigorous by design, and that helps participants strive to continually improve,” said Jeff Udd, director of government and environmental affairs for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “It’s a system that encourages going beyond regulatory compliance.” 

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has participated in Green Marine since the environmental certification program was launched in 2007. The port said sustainability initiatives at the Clure Public Marine Terminal include energy-efficiency upgrades, adoption of zero-emission vehicles and equipment, increased use of renewable energy and ongoing environmental monitoring. 

Feature photo courtesy of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority