---

A number of local maritime firms have been recognized at the second annual San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan Air Quality Awards for 'taking extraordinary steps' to slash air pollution from their business operations.

Amongst the winners were a number of companies that have played a vital role in reducing emissions from ships at both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles.

Nominees were judged by a panel that included representatives of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, California Air Resources Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In the "Leadership at the Corporate Level" Category, Yusen Terminals Inc. (YTI) was honoured for its contribution at the Port of Los Angeles. Yusen Terminals is a subsidiary of NYK Line, and both companies have a long history of environmental leadership.

YTI partnered with the Port of Los Angeles in the second generation installation of Alternative Maritime Power – or cold ironing – which virtually eliminates a ship's emissions at berth. For these measures and a host of other programs, YTI was commended as a “model terminal".

In the same category International Transportation Service (ITS) was honoured for its work at the Port of Long Beach. In 2006, ITS signed a “Green Lease” with the Port of Long Beach that included the Port of Long Beach’s first shore-powered container berth. ITS’ shore power allows docked ships from parent company “K” Line to shut down diesel engines while at berth.

In the "Innovative Air Quality Improvement Technologies" Category, Metropolitan Stevedore Company (Metro Ports), a bulk export terminal operator at the Port of Long Beach was commended for assisting a local environmental response firm in testing an innovative pollution control technology.

The device, known as the Advanced Maritime Emissions Control System, uses a “bonnet” or “sock on a stack” to capture emissions from a docked ship’s smokestack. The exhaust is then processed in an on-shore scrubbing system to clean it and then expel the cleaned gases into the air. This demonstration project was funded through the Clean Air Action Plan Technology Advancement Program and is being tested as an alternative to cold-ironing or shore power.

In the "Innovative Operations that Improve Air Quality" Category, APL-Eagle Marine Services was recognized as a leader in terminal operations and practices that improve air quality.

The APL terminal, which opened in 1997, is designed for efficiency. APL vessels contribute with 100 percent participation in the Vessel Speed Reduction program, and use of ship coatings and special propeller fin caps that increase fuel efficiency.

The fourth Category: "Significant Early Action to Reduce Air Pollution" included Mitsubishi Cement Corp. at the Port of Long Beach and Seaside Transportation Services, LLC (STS) at the Port of Los Angeles.

Mitsubishi installed a shore power system at its dry bulk terminal to provide clean power to cement ships berthed there. A cooperative effort with the Port and City of Long Beach, Mitsubishi has been plugging in its cement ships since July 2005. Vessels calling at the Mitsubishi berth spend an average of 75 percent of their time plugged in to shore power, significantly reducing air pollution.

Meanwhile, Seaside Transportation Services the operator of the Evergreen Terminal container terminal, was praised for embarking upon significant early actions to reduce diesel particulate emissions from its operations.

Amongst its efforts, affiliated ocean carrier Evergreen contributed by participating in the Vessel Speed Reduction and low-sulfur fuel programs.

The Air Quality Excellence Awards were created to further the goals of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan. The Plan includes a number of initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution - by 45 percent by 2012 - from ships, trucks, trains and other heavy equipment used in the movement of cargo through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

“The Clean Air Action Plan is well on track to reach its goal of cutting air pollution by 45 percent, thanks in large part to the enthusiastic participation of companies like the eight we honored today,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Richard D. Steinke.

“Their efforts to improve air quality and contribute to cleaner skies deserve praise and recognition.”