 | | | Vessel Emissions Ships calling on the Port of Long Beach are a significant source of emissions that cause air pollution.The Port is working to reduce these emissions through:
Main Engine Low-Sulfur Fuel Incentive Program
From July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, the Port committed up to $10 million for a one-year incentive program to encourage vessel operators to use low sulfur (0.2 percent sulfur or less) Marine Gas Oil (MGO) or Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) in their main engines during their approach or departure, out to 20 or 40 nautical miles (nm) from Point Fermin.During the one-year program, the Port provided funding to cover the cost differential between the cleaner burning low-sulfur fuel and the heavy bunker fuel typically used in vessel main engines.To receive the incentive, vessel operators were required to be compliant with the Vessel Speed Reduction Program speed limit of 12 knots over the distance they wished to receive the incentive (40 nm or 20 nm) and use low sulfur fuel in their auxiliary engines while at berth.Additional information on the Port’s Low-Sulfur Fuel Incentive Program can be found on the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles' joint Clean Air Action Plan website.
The Port’s incentive program ended June 30, 2009, after which time the California Air Resources Board (CARB) main engine regulation came into effect.Under the CARB main engine regulation, ocean-going vessels (OGVs) are required to use 1.5 percent sulfur MGO or 0.5 percent MDO fuel in vessel main, auxiliary, and boiler engines when operating within 24 nm of the California coastline.Beginning January 1, 2012, the CARB regulation will require the use of 0.1 percent sulfur MGO or MDO in vessel main, auxiliary, and boiler engines operating within 24 nm of the California coastline.Further information on the CARB regulation is available on the CARB website.
Shore Power Electricity
Using electrical power for ships at berth rather than diesel-burning engines, a practice commonly known as "cold ironing" or shore power, greatly reduces air pollution from ships. The Port commissioned a study to analyze a variety of factors such as vessel retrofit requirements, power demands, shore-side infrastructure needs, estimated costs and potential emission reductions.A PDF Version is available of the Cold-Ironing Report or Cold Ironing Ship to Shore Standards (Adobe Acrobat Reader needed).
Green Flag Program
The Port's Green Flag Program is a voluntary vessel speed reduction program that rewards vessel operators for slowing down to 12 knots or less within 40 nautical miles (nm) of Point Fermin (near the entrance to the Harbor).Because the ships emit less when they travel more slowly, the program has been highly successful in reducing smog-forming emissions and diesel particulates from ships. In 2009, more than 90 percent of vessels participated in the program, slowing their ships in the 20 nm zone, while more than 70 percent slowed down within the 40 nm zone.
In return for their participation -- at least 90 percent of the time in a calendar year -- the vessel operators can earn dockage rate reductions, as well as help improve air quality in the greater Long Beach area.The Port will award about $2.5 million in dockage savings in 2010; and anticipates awarding as much as $4 million in 2011.
Vessels that dock at the Port of Long Beach can also earn the coveted Green Flag environmental achievement award for extraordinary compliance with the program for a 12-month period.
The speed of every vessel in the speed reduction zone is measured and recorded by the Marine Exchange of Southern California.The program prevents more than 1,000 tons a year of air pollution.For more information, see the Fact Sheet.
Smoke Stack Reductions
The Port is assisting the South Coast Air Quality Management District in enforcing regulations that prohibit excessive emissions from vessels that call at the Port with its Smoke Stack Emission Reduction Program.Through education and outreach to vessel operators and citations from the Port's Harbor Patrol officers, the Port encourages proper maintenance, operational controls and use of alternative fuels to reduce
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