JEDDAH — The Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), has been named winner of the 2020 Sustainability Award at the 17th Annual Seatrade Maritime Awards, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa, hosted virtually from Dubai. RSGT was selected in recognition of "the exceptional initiative that supports sustainable maritime commerce"" by the judging panel of independent industry experts. "We are very proud to have been selected by our peers for this award ," stated RSGT CEO Jens Floe, who added, "We remain dedicated to pursuing environmentally sustainable operations at Saudi "Arabia"s largest container terminal, through our CSR program, constant investment in new, low emission and efficient equipment, procedures, and the extensive training of our personnel.” RSGT is currently commissioning two new latest-generation electric-powered STS cranes and 10 new technologically advanced hybrid-Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes (RTGs) delivered in November, into the facility"s container handling operations. The use of electric cranes eliminates emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases resulting from diesel-powered cranes; the hybrid-RTGs switch from diesel to battery power depending upon usage needs, also reducing diesel-related emissions, while improving fuel efficiency. RSGT has also established artificial reefs just outside the port area in support of biodiversity and marine life. Over the 30-year term of the concession agreement signed last year with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), RSGT will be investing $1.7 billion in new terminal infrastructure and equipment to improve operational efficiencies and reduce greenhouse gases and other emissions, as the terminal expands annual container throughput capacity to 8.8 million TEU. RSGT incorporates programs and training in support of sustainable terminal and port operations, and environmentally-conscious conservation planning, reflecting a core philosophy of the "company"s business model. "Our commitment to sustainability and protection of the environment and natural resources of the Red Sea Region is shared by all of our staff, and is a guiding principal in our daily operations, as well as our long-term strategic planning," noted Floe. — SG