Monday, May 7, 2012

Port of Los Angeles to launch environmental ship index July 1

The Port of Los Angeles announced its board of harbor commissioners formerly approved the launch of an environmental ship index by the first of July that is based on a European model that rewards vessel operators for voluntary emissions reduction technologies and measures.

The port said in a statement that its adoption of the web-based ESI tool that was developed out of a climate initiative of the International Association of Ports and Harbors, would be the first such seaport program in North America and the Pacific Rim.

“The larger success of this program lies in its adoption by as many ports as possible to increase the rewards for operators willing to invest in clean air and maximize the health benefits for everyone,” said Geraldine Knatz Ph.D, executive director at the Port of Los Angeles.

The port said its ESI was developed with other freight stakeholders, including the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, and will offer financial incentives that range from $250 to $5,250 per ship by meeting up to three requirements, including:

  • Scoring 30 or more ESI points based on a vessel’s engine specifications and emissions certification; use of low sulfur fuel, plug-in ready on-board shore power technology, and a ship energy efficiency management plan.
  • Deploying ships with a Tier II or Tier III engine to the Port of Los Angeles.
  • Participating in a demonstration program to test and improve vessel emission reduction technology.

The port said rewards would be paid on a quarterly basis, with initial distribution scheduled for October of this year.

For the first sixth months of the program, ships can qualify for the first incentive with a score of 25 points to encourage early participation and help operators familiarize themselves with the ESI website and reporting requirements, the port said.

Registration for the program is free and the Port of L.A. said it has committed $450,000 to the effort to help get it going.

The port said up to 30 percent of the ships calling its facilities are expected to qualify for the ESI incentives and that thirty-percent participation would cut diesel particulate matter emissions by 16 tons within the first year and reduce emissions of other primary pollutants.



 

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