The Pasha Hawaii’s MV George III has made its inaugural visit to the Port of Long Beach – the first containership powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) to refuel on the West Coast.
The newly built 774-foot-long ship arrived at the port on 17 August and will now begin its maiden voyage to its home port in Honolulu.
Another LNG Pasha ship is currently being built. The Janet Marie will be the second of two “Ohana Class” container ships to join Pasha Hawaii’s fleet in Q4 2022 in service between Hawaii and the US mainland.
“Reducing ship emissions will have a significant and positive impact on the region’s air quality,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero.
Operating fully on liquefied natural gas, the MV George III surpasses the International Maritime Organization’s 2030 emission standards for ocean vessels.
According to Pasha Hawaii, it is the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly class of vessel to serve Hawaii.
LNG-powered ships achieve a 99.9 per cent reduction in diesel particulate matter and sulphur oxide emissions, 90 per cent less nitrogen oxides and a 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide compared to ships running on traditional fuels – as reported by the company.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the Port of Long Beach. Being able to fuel MV George III with natural gas at the Port reflects our shared vision of minimising our environmental impact, while setting a new standard for ship building in the US,” said George Pasha IV, President and CEO, Pasha Hawaii.
The port authority at Long Beach said this event aligns with the Port of Long Beach’s dedication to environmental sustainability and strengthens its commitment to the Green Port Policy and San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan.
The port is striving towards zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment by 2030 and zero-emissions drayage trucks by 2035.
READ: Port of Long Beach joins Green Shipping Corridor
“This is another positive step toward the widespread adoption of alternative fuels in cargo shipping and using cleaner technology to do business at the Port,” said Harbor Commission President, Sharon L. Weissman.
“Pasha Hawaii shares our long-term commitment for growing sustainably and responsibly.”
Recently, Weissman outlined environmental, community, and workforce goals for the year – saying she wants to sharpen the port’s environmental focus.
