The Port of Long Beach recently feted over 135 shipping lines for voluntarily taking part in the port’s Green Flag Incentive Program.
The program, which launched in 2005, honored ocean carriers who reduced speeds to lower than 12 knots as they approach within 20 or 40 nautical miles of the port.
The act of slowing down vessels has resulted in the prevention of 45,000 tons of greenhouse gases and 1,000 tons of air pollution in general annually.
“Our shipping line partners play an important role in our efforts to improve air quality at the Port and our surrounding communities,” said Tracy Egoscue, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. “We’ve made dramatic reductions in air pollution emissions thanks to the industry and its enthusiastic cooperation.”
