The Port of Los Angeles has become
the first North American seaport to adopt an international clean air program that
rewards ocean carriers for bringing their newest and cleanest vessels to the port.
On May 3, the Los Angeles Board of
Harbor Commissioners formally approved an Environmental Ship Index program. The
ESI is a web-based tool that offers immediate and significant clean air benefits
by rewarding vessel operators for voluntary engine, fuel and technology enhancements
that reduce emissions from ships beyond the regulatory environmental standards set
by the International Maritime Organization.
Initially, up to 30 percent of the
ships calling at the port are expected to qualify for LA’s ESI incentives, according
to the port. Thirty percent participation would cut diesel particulate matter emissions
by 16 tons within the first year and reduce emissions of other primary pollutants,
namely nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and carbon dioxide, according to the port.
The ESI program was originally developed
by the World Ports Climate Initiative, a project of the International Association
of Ports and Harbors. The program’s already underway at 14 European ports.
POLA Executive Director Geraldine
Knatz, who chairs the WPCI and is the current president of the IAPH, pushed for
L.A. to adopt the index program.
Like other WPCI programs aimed at
reducing vessel pollution and greenhouse gases and promoting sustainable practices,
the ESI can be tailored to fit a port's operational and regional requirements.
“The ESI sets the gold standard for
green shipping and we encourage other ports to follow suit,” Knatz said. “The larger
success of this program lies in its adoption by as many ports as possible to increase
the rewards for operators willing to invest in clean air and maximize the health
benefits for everyone.”
The Port of Los Angeles developed
its ESI with input from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and other stakeholders.
It’s tailored to fit with the port’s San Pedro Bay Clean Ports Air Action Plan,
which sets specific bay-wide targets for near-term pollution reduction through 2014
and long-term objectives through 2023.
Los Angeles has committed $450,000
to jumpstart the program, which takes effect July 1.
