SSA Marine's Approach to Sustainability
At SSA Marine, sustainability is an ongoing, measurable commitment. Across our global operations, we focus on practical progress: lower emissions, improved safety, and reduced environmental impacts and resource consumption.
Strong partnerships with all stakeholders is essential to achieving these goals. SSA Marine works closely with customers, port authorities, regulators, community members, and other stakeholders to test solutions, learn from experience, and incorporate feedback into our projects. Through this collaborative approach, we aim to advance decarbonization, environmental stewardship, and broader sustainability priorities, while being accountable for the benefits and impacts of our work.
That philosophy is guiding our approach in West Central Florida, both in the protection and conservation of Rattlesnake Key, and in our early planning for the Knott-Cowen Cruise Port project.
Rattlesnake Key: Conservation in Perpetuity
Environmental stewardship is not limited to the footprint of a single facility. As part of this broader effort, SSA Marine, through its subsidiary, the Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company, acquired the approximately 710-acre Rattlesnake Key property to ensure its long-term protection and conservation.
Rattlesnake Key has long been recognized as an ecologically sensitive and highly valued natural area, which has long been shadowed by the possibility of commercial development.
Our intent in purchasing Rattlesnake Key was straightforward: to remove any possibility of commercialization and conserve the land and habitats for future generations.
The purpose of the acquisition is conservation, and we will explore the most effective and assured ways to protect these wetlands, wildlife habitat, and the natural character of the island, so it can remain a resource for residents and the surrounding ecosystem. That commitment also includes exploring the enhancement of recreational areas and opportunities in the region, ensuring that respecting beloved sporting activities such as fishing and boating is prioritized in our planning.
We look forward to working closely with local officials, residents, and environmental leaders to discuss long-term stewardship and conservation of this unique property.
Letting Science Lead at Knott-Cowen
Our approach to the Knott-Cowen Cruise Port project starts with a fundamental principle: using science and data to lead every stage of planning and decision-making.
Environmental impacts, avoidance strategies, mitigation measures, and potential alternatives will be evaluated and collectively reviewed with regulators and stakeholders, and we are actively seeking partnerships that will strengthen environmental outcomes.
The project will follow and respect the established, agency-specific environmental review and permitting processes. Detailed site surveys, technical analysis, and regulatory consultation will inform planning decisions before any commitments are made regarding design or construction.
Throughout this process, SSA Marine will remain open to feedback on mitigation strategies and is interested in innovative and creative approaches that support environmental conservation, regulatory requirements, and community priorities.
Real Progress on a Real Promise
SSA Marine’s sustainability strategy is built on transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. In recent years, we have invested significantly in modern equipment, cleaner technologies, and environmental management systems that reduce emissions while improving operational performance.
Noteworthy company-wide sustainability milestones include:
SSA Marine’s Galveston Cruise Terminal was recognized in 2025 as a LEED Zero Energy and LEED Zero Carbon building – the first cruise terminal to receive these certifications. The terminal was also the first cruise terminal in Texas to achieve LEED Gold certification when it opened in 2022.
Earned recognition for 16 SSA Marine locations (including three in 2026) from Green Marine, the maritime industry’s leading environmental certification program, reflecting third-party verification of our environmental performance.
Exceeded SSA Marine’s first greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target, reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity by 28% by the end of 2024 from our 2021 baseline.
Deployed additional zero and low emissions vehicles and cargo handling equipment, with 200+ units in global operation.
Secured $85 million in grant funding in 2024 to support the purchase of more than 110 pieces of zero-emissions equipment and charging infrastructure.
Completed evaluation of decarbonization measures across the business to inform sustainability strategy development.
Established new near-term targets for emissions reduction targets, including a 35% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity by 2030, with a longer-term goal of 50% reduction by 2035.
These investments and commitments demonstrate our values. We put resources behind our sustainability goals, and learn, adapt, and improve our sustainability practices over time.
A Long-Term, Accountable Approach
Taken together, the conservation of Rattlesnake Key and the Knott-Cowen planning process demonstrates SSA Marine’s commitment to sustainability.
Across our operations, SSA Marine’s approach reflects an understanding that trust is earned over time through measurable action, transparency, and consistent engagement.
That same approach is guiding our work in West Central Florida, just as it has across ports and communities around the world.