The Port of Long Beach has extended its Green Ship Incentive Program for another two years as it builds on sustainable initiatives to reduce vessel pollution.
The port’s green programme was launched in 2012 and rewards vessel operators who deploy the cleanest available ships to Long Beach. The incentive available offers rewards based on engine type, fuel type and other efficiency improvements that reduce emissions above and beyond international standards.
Incentives range from $600 per call for participating Environmental Ship Index (ESI) vessel operators to $9,000 per call for those who bring the newest and cleanest Tier III ships to Long Beach.
The Green Ship programme will now extend through 30 June 2024.
The port has also made its Vessel Speed Reduction Program permanent. The programme rewards vessel operators who slow their ships to 12 knots within 20 or 40 nautical miles of Point Fermin.
Operators with 90 per cent or higher compliance within 20 nautical miles over a calendar year earn a 15 per cent discount on dockage fees the following year. Those with 90 per cent or higher compliance within 40 nautical miles over a calendar year earn a 25 per cent discount on dockage fees the following year.
Under the programme, a ship can operate at an alternative speed provided it generates fewer emissions than it would at 12 knots.
For 2021, the Port of Long Beach has paid out more than $1.4 million in financial incentives to vessel operators participating in the Green Ship programme; those participating in the Vessel Speed Reduction Program saved nearly $5.2 million on dockage fees, revealed the port.
The partnership intends to address the current climate change crisis and deliver urgent solutions to achieve net-zero shared goals by 2030.
