As of the July 1 kickoff date, a dozen shipping lines had agreed to participate in the San Pedro Bay Ports' incentive program to reduce vessel emissions by switching to low-sulfur distillate fuel in the main engines within at least 20 miles of the ports. That number was up considerably from the week before when only two shipping lines had committed to the program, said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz. Knatz credited Michele Grubbs of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association for promoting the voluntary Clean Air Action Plan initiative.
To reduce vessel pollution a year before the fuel switch becomes mandatory in California, the ports have offered to pay vessel operators the difference between the price of bunker fuel and more expensive low-sulfur fuel. The 12 participating shipping lines represent 119 of 247 ship calls, Knatz said. The bill could total as much as $18.5 million.
To reduce vessel pollution a year before the fuel switch becomes mandatory in California, the ports have offered to pay vessel operators the difference between the price of bunker fuel and more expensive low-sulfur fuel. The 12 participating shipping lines represent 119 of 247 ship calls, Knatz said. The bill could total as much as $18.5 million.