Long Beach moves ahead with green port initiatives for ships

SHIP operators calling at the US west coast Port of Long Beach are being encouraged to use low sulphur marine gas oil (MGO) in their main engines when in the port area as part of the authorities Main Engine Low-Sulfur Fuel Incentive Programme.

The vessels are being requested to use MGOs with a sulphur content of 0.2 per cent or less in their main engines during their approach or departure, out to 20 or 40 nautical miles from Point Fermin.

Port authorities have committed up to US$10 million for the first year of the incentive programme. The port will provide funding to cover the cost difference between using the cleaner burning low-sulphur fuel and heavy bunker fuel.

To receive the incentive funds, vessel operators must also participate in the Vessel Speed Reduction Programme and use low sulphur fuel in their auxiliary engines while at berth, a statement from port authorities said.

The low sulphur incentive programme will be in place from July 1 to June 30, 2009, after which time the California Air Resources Board regulation is expected to come into effect.

This comes as the ports completed a Low Sulphur Marine Fuel Availability Study in April 2008, to evaluate availability of low sulphur fuel at major bunkering ports in support of implementation of the ports' green initiatives.

In a related development, port authorities have commissioned a $350,000 study to prepare for the use of electrical power for ships at berth, a practice known as cold ironing - rather than relying on the vessel's engines.

Replacing a ship's auxiliary engines with on-shore electric power was found to significantly reduce emissions. The study analysed a variety of factors such as vessel retrofit requirements, power demands, shore-side infrastructure needs, estimated costs and potential emission reductions.

Port authorities have also committed $2.2 million a year to encourage participation in the Voluntary Vessel Ship Speed Reduction Programme, which urges vessels to travel at less than 12 knots within 20 miles of the coast to reduce emissions. This Green Flag Incentive rewards vessel operators with environmental recognition and lower dockage fees.