Stewardship
Our Commitment
At the Alabama Port Authority, we believe responsible growth starts with responsible stewardship. That’s why we weave environmental sustainability into every part of our work—from daily operations to long-range planning and port development. Our goal is simple: go beyond what the regulations require and do what’s right for the environment we all share.
We are continuously strengthening our efforts to protect air and water quality, improve soil and sediment conditions, preserve wildlife habitat, manage waste responsibly, and reduce energy use. Ultimately, we’re working to support a cleaner, healthier environment for Mobile, neighboring communities, and the entire State of Alabama.
How We Deliver on
This Commitment
- Spill prevention
- Reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollutants
- Responsible dry-bulk handling and storage
- Industry environmental leadership
- Community impact measures (lighting, noise, housekeeping)
- Comprehensive waste management
Examples of Our
Sustainability in Action
- Electric ship-to-shore cranes at McDuffie Coal Terminal, Pinto Island Steel Terminal, and the Container Terminal
- Locomotive repowering with smart-idle and EPA-certified off-road engines, cutting diesel particulate matter and nitrogen oxides by more than 90%
- A strict no-idle policy to reduce unnecessary emissions
- Robust recycling programs for metals, batteries, ink and toner cartridges, paper and cardboard, oils and lubricants, rubber, lightbulbs, plastics, and coal residues
- Advanced dust-control measures across operations
- Twice-weekly near-shore and shoreline inspections with immediate cleanup wherever waterway impacts are possible
Upper Mobile Bay Wetlands Project
The Alabama Port Authority is advancing a long-term effort to restore wetlands and strengthen the health of Mobile Bay through the beneficial use of suitable dredged material. This material is generated during routine maintenance dredging of the Port of Mobile’s berths.
The Upper Mobile Bay Wetlands Project will ultimately create approximately 1,200 acres of new tidal wetlands in Upper Mobile Bay. Located approximately 1.5 to 2.5 miles south of the Mobile Causeway, the project will restore critical habitat, improve ecological resilience and enhance the long-term health of one of Alabama’s most important natural resources.
Each year, the Alabama Port Authority removes approximately 500,000 cubic yards of sediment from its berths to maintain safe and efficient cargo operations. Rather than placing that suitable material in traditional disposal sites, this RESTORE Act-funded project will put it to work creating and restoring wetlands that provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat. It will also help keep valuable sediment within the Mobile Bay ecosystem.
In 2026, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) approved $24 million in RESTORE Act funding to construct the first 100-acre wetland restoration cell. This initial phase marks the beginning of a long-term effort to create up to 1,200 acres of new wetlands using material generated through routine berth dredging over the next two decades.
The Upper Mobile Bay Wetlands Project is sponsored by the Alabama Port Authority and supported through funding provided by the RESTORE Act.
What is Green Marine?
- Annual corporate leadership approval
- Minimized environmental impact in operations/activities
- Development and promotion of environmental protection measures
- Integration of sustainable practices
- Port authorities, ship owners and terminal operators
- Environmental groups and governments at the federal, state and municipal levels
- Education and conservation institutions
More Initiatives
- Bike/commuting ride-share outreach
- Conversion to LED lighting
- Invasive species removal
- Shoreline trash removal
- Three Mile Creek
- Industrial Canal
- Garrows Bend
- Arlington Park
- Mobile River