Ports and Maritime Transportation Sector Information
Overview
The Port and Maritime Transportation sector covers:
- Water Transportation involving commercial cargo and passenger vessels (NAICS 483)
- Ports and Harbor Operations (NAICS 48831)
- Ship building and repair (NAICS 336622)
Basic EPA Regulatory Information
EPA has regulatory authorities under the Clean Water Act, Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, Uniform National Discharge Standards, Clean Boating Act of 2008, Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, and the Clean Air Act that apply specifically to ports and maritime transportation sector. Additionally, other environmental statues may apply to ports and ship building and repair facilities depending on activities and operations.
The following links are intended to help Smart Sectors partners and the public learn more about how EPA works with the ports and maritime transportation sector.
- EPA's vessels, marinas and ports program
- Ship and Boat Building Sector Regulatory Information
- Commercial Vessel Discharge Standards
- Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant overview of port projects
- Marine Protection Permitting
Other Federal Agencies with regulatory authorities over Ports and Maritime Transport include the Federal Maritime Commission, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
EPA Resources
- Ports Initiative — EPA’s Ports Initiative works in collaboration with the port industry, communities and all levels of government to advance next-generation, clean technologies and practices that can improve air quality and increase economic prosperity.
- SmartWay Transport — EPA’s SmartWay Transport program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Any company or organization that ships, manages, or hauls freight in its operations can become an EPA SmartWay Partner.
- Sustainable Materials Management Prioritization Tools — Free, life cycle-based tools that offer a starting place to establish priorities for environmental improvement, focus limited financial and human resources where action could offer greater holistic benefit, and consider key industries for collaboration.