AMERICAS GREENPORT

Vessel operators help improve San Diego air quality

17 years ago

A voluntary programme to get cruise and cargo vessel operators to reduce ship speeds when travelling to and from San Diego Bay is working. Cruise and cargo vessel operators are asked to reduce vessel speeds when travelling in an area that extends 20 nautical miles seaward from Point Loma.

The limits are 12 knots for cargo ships and 15 knots for cruise ships. The difference in the speed limits is based on differing engine fuel efficiencies.

Port of San Diego started the programme in March 2009 and the first quarter results for April through June 2009 showed that 86 percent of all cruise ships visiting the Port complied with the speed reduction request and 53 percent of cargo vessels complied. During that quarter, the speed reduction resulted in an estimated 10 percent reduction in emissions from participating vessels.

The Port is able to keep track of the vessel speeds by accessing data that all vessels transmit using automatic identification systems. It is tracked by a web-based monitoring system.

Second quarter results from the programme period July through September 2009 show a slight decrease in vessel participation. Of all the ships visiting the port, 63 percent of both cruise and cargo vessels complied with the speed limits. However, of the vessels that did participate, several of them demonstrated 100 percent compliance. These vessels helped reduce the emissions in the zone by 11-16 percent, a slight increase from the first quarter.

To comply with the programme, vessel operators must practice the voluntary speed limit for 90 percent of vessel visits. Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises achieved 100 percent compliance during the second quarter. Cargo vessel operators Fednav Ltd, Grieg Star Shipping AS, Nippon Yusen Kaisha and SOVCOMFLOT all achieved 100 percent compliance. The Pasha Group, which imports vehicles from Europe and Asia, came in at 92 percent compliance.

The Port of San Diego is confident that additional cargo and cruise carriers will begin participating in the program. This initiative supports the port’s Green Port Program, which unifies its environmental sustainability goals in six key areas: water, energy, air, waste management, sustainable development, and sustainable business practices.

As part of the Green Port Program, the port establishes long-term goals and evaluates progress in each area annually. The Green Port Program both continues the Port’s existing environmental efforts and expands these efforts through new programmes and initiatives.