Green issues

“This will result in a new VLCC (very large crude carrier) berth and several stalled container terminal upgrades to deepen berths, add shore power, improve acreage and improve rail access,” says Richard McKenna.

“Additionally, the community waterfront improvement project is under way. Whereas this is happening in a tight economic environment, the projects are moving forward at a deliberate pace. It is notable that this is happening concurrently with an ambitious clean truck programme that is credited with reducing truck-related pollution by almost 80%.”

Both Los Angeles and Long Beach have extended their incentivised voluntary speed reduction programme from 20 to 40 miles from the port, with over 90% compliance at 20 miles and nearly 70% at the 40-mile mark, says the Marine Exchange, which provides the data for this programme.

Other “green” developments include the world’s first shore power tanker berth at Long Beach’s BP Terminal.

“The green commitment here remains very strong,” says Art Wong at the Port of Long Beach. “Long Beach is investing in a $200m programme to provide shore power; by 2014, at least half of all containerships will be able to “plug in” and that figure should rise to 80% by 2020, he says.

According to Mr McKenna at the Marine Exchange, there are some operational issues related to California’s implementation of a low-sulphur fuel requirement for ships within 24 miles of the California coast, but these are being worked out.

“Customers should be given the credit for their efforts at complying with the comprehensive approach to what is both ports’ Clean Air Program,” he says. “Despite the economic downturn, customers have been complying in a fairly proactive way.”

However, fees imposed in the case of some projects have caused a backlash affecting port-customer relations, he warns. “The ports are aware of this and are responding in a positive manner.”