Protecting the whales and air quality
Protecting the whales and local air quality has not only become a top priority for one American port, but also its ocean carriers.
Maersk, GLOVIS, K Line and NYK Line are all participating in a vessel speed reduction initiative programme at the Port of Hueneme.
“Over 530 tonnes of smog-forming emissions were eliminated by the 15 shipping lines participating in this programme this year alone,” said Jess Ramirez, Oxnard Harbor District President.
Cutting pollution
The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Programme aims to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales in the Santa Barbara Channel and San Francisco Bay through incentivising shipping lines to reduce speeds to 10 knots or less in these sensitive areas.
It’s a collaborative effort between the port and its carriers, the local air pollution control districts, the Channel Islands, Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, The Volgenau Foundation, California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and Environmental Defense Center.
“Since 2014, our port has partnered with the local Ventura and Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control Districts to encourage and incentivise our shipping lines to participate,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director.
“Our entire eco-system benefits from this type of investment and we see momentum growing for more participants to come onboard.”
To date, the port has invested over US$16M in clean air projects including on-port vessel plug in systems, air quality monitors, electric charging stations, alternative fuel trucks and electric equipment.
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