---

The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) has announced its partnership with the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angles on a program that provides financial incentives to vessel operators to voluntarily use cleaner-burning, low-sulfur fuel within the ports. Under the voluntary incentive program proposed by PMSA, the ports will offset the cost difference between currently used bunker fuel and costly low-sulfur distillate fuel for vessels that switch fuel within at least 20 miles- and as far as 40 miles—from the ports.

“This voluntary incentive-based program is the direct result of a coordinated partnership with the ports to reduce ship emissions,” said John McLaurin, President of the PMSA. “The fuel replacement initiative builds upon other successful voluntary emissions reduction programs around the ports including the vessel speed reduction program which has demonstrated a 90% compliance rate.”

Vessels participating in the incentive program must also burn low-sulfur fuel in their electricity-generating auxiliary engines while at berth—as they do now. 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.

“PMSA and its members have been actively involved in virtually every successful voluntary port improvement program and are leaders in the reduction of emissions throughout the goods movement industries,” continued McLaurin. “Responsible green growth — simultaneous environmental improvements and expansion of port infrastructure — is possible and supported by PMSA. Reducing port congestion, expanding port capacity and improving air quality are leading initiatives within a global green growth plan.”

PMSA member companies are already working to reduce emissions by exploring the use of a wide variety of cleaner fuels, engines, and retrofit technologies that exceed existing requirements. These strategies are constantly evolving as new fuels and technologies become available and include clean burning biofuels; employing new “clean diesel” engine and retrofit technologies; experimenting with new technologies, such as propane and natural gas fueled terminal equipment; and taking other innovative steps to improve west coast air quality.

The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have announced that the two harbor commissions will meet and vote today to provide funding for the voluntary incentive program.

Press Release