The VSRP, which was established in 2001, is a voluntary
program designed to reduce emissions from ocean-going vessels by slowing their
speeds as they approach or depart the port at either 20 or 40 nautical miles
offshore. The port pays incentives to shipping lines that achieve a 90 percent
or higher participation rate in VSRP in a calendar year.
The port says that in 2012, it achieved 100-percent
compliance for 543 vessels at 20 nautical miles and 386 vessels at 40 nautical
miles. The voluntary actions helped reduce 73 tons of diesel particulate matter
as well as 740 tons of sulfur oxide and 981 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions.
VSRP honorees this year included APL, China Navigation Co.,
China Shipping, CMA CGM, Crystal Cruises, CSAV, Evergreen Marine Corp., Grieg
Star Shipping A/S, Hamburg SUD, Hanjin Shipping Co., Hapag-Lloyd AG, Hyundai
Merchant Marine Co., Kawasaki Kisen Kaish, Maersk Line, Mitsui Bulkship, Mitsui
OSK Lines, MSC Mediterranean Shipping, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Nissan Motor Car
Carrier, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Overseas Container Line, Princess
Cruises, Saga Forest Carriers Intl. AS, Tesoro, Tokyo Marine Co. and Yang Ming
Marine Transport.
Additionally, for the first time, the port also honored 12
ship carriers for their participation in the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), an
international clean air program rewarding ocean carriers for bringing their
newest and cleanest vessels to the port.
The program, which is also underway at several large European
ports, involves a web-based tool that tracks and rewards 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. Vessels calling on the port can earn financial
incentives by meeting certain environmental and emission requirements tracked
by the web-based tool.
Honored for their participation in the ESI program were
K-Line America, APL, CMA CGM, Evergreen Line, Hamburg Sud, Hapag-Lloyd AG,
Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Co., MOL, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, OOCL and
Yang Ming Marine Transport.
“We applaud our shipping and cruise lines for embracing our
vision for a greener, cleaner port,” Port of LA Executive Director Geraldine
Knatz said. “Our customers’ voluntary participation in these important emission
reduction programs greatly contributes to better, healthier air quality in and
around the San Pedro Bay.”
