Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) applauds the Los Angeles
and Long Beach ports unanimous decision today to approve an incentive
program introduced by PMSA to reduce emissions at the two Southern
California ports. Under the voluntary incentive program, the ports will
offset the cost difference between currently used bunker fuel and costly
low-sulfur distillate fuel for vessels that switch fuel at least 20
miles--and as far as 40 miles--from the ports. If successful, the
proposal would cut oxides of sulfur by 11% and diesel particulate matter
by 9% from vessels.
“The public/private partnership formed between
PMSA and the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles provides the groundwork
in reducing emissions at the ports,” said Sean
Connaughton, Administrator of the Maritime Administration, United States
Department of Transportation. “The
collaborative approach found in this incentive program marks a milestone
in making California greener.”
PMSA announced its partnership with the Port of Long Beach and the Port
of Los Angeles last week as part of its effort to reduce port
congestion, expand port capacity and improve air quality initiatives
within a global green growth plan.
“This program represents another important
step in a continuing process toward improving the air quality of
Southern California,” said John McLaurin,
President of PMSA. “Further, PMSA and its
members commend the Harbor Commissioners and Mayors for their actions in
partnering with us in this unique and mutually beneficial proposal. We
hope that this incentive-based approach serves as a model for future
endeavors toward this goal of overall emission reductions.”
Vessels participating in the incentive program must also use low-sulfur
fuel in their auxiliary engines while at berth. Further, ships will also
need to participate in the ports’ voluntary
Vessel Speed Reduction Program which limits speeds to 12 knots during
the low-sulfur fuel switch.
Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) is a regional trade
association of operators of marine cargo terminals and owners/operators
of U.S. and foreign-flagged cargo and passenger vessels. The Association
has offices in Long Beach, San Francisco and Seattle.
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