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The Port of Los Angeles has honoured 26 shipping and cruise lines for their participation in the port’s Vessel Speed Reduction Program (VSRP) - an initiative that involves the lowering of vessel speeds when ships approach the port.

According to the Port of Los Angeles, the VSRP has resulted in 'significant decreases' in diesel particulate matter, sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions into the environment since it was established in 2001.

For the first time, the port also honoured 12 ship carriers for their participation in the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), an international clean air program that rewards ocean carriers for bringing their newest and cleanest vessels to the port. Developed through the International Association of Ports & Harbors’ World Ports Climate Initiative, the ESI program is the first of its kind in North America and the Pacific Rim.

"We applaud our shipping and cruise lines for embracing our vision for a greener, cleaner port," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. "Our customers’ voluntary participation in these important emission reduction programs greatly contributes to better, healthier air quality in and around the San Pedro Bay."

VSRP honorees this year included APL Ltd., China Navigation Co. Pte. Ltd., China Shipping, CMA CGM (America) LLC, Crystal Cruises, CSAV, Evergreen Marine Corp., Grieg Star Shipping A/S, Hamburg SUD, Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd., Hapag-Lloyd AG, Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. Ltd., Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., Maersk Line, Mitsui Bulkship, Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd., MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co., Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Nissan Motor Car Carrier, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Overseas Container Line, Princess Cruises, Saga Forest Carriers Intl. AS, Tesoro, Tokyo Marine Co. Ltd., and Yang Ming Marine Transport.

The VSRP is a voluntary program designed to reduce emissions from ocean-going vessels by slowing their speeds as they approach or depart the port at either 20 nautical miles from Point Fermin or as far as 40 nautical miles offshore.

In 2012, the port achieved 100 percent compliance for 543 vessels at 20 nautical miles and 386 vessels at 40 nautical miles. These voluntary actions helped reduce 73 tonnes of diesel particulate matter (DPM), as well as 740 tonnes of sulphur oxide (SOx) and 981 tonnes of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The port pays incentives to shipping lines that achieve a 90 percent or higher participation rate in VSRP in a calendar year.

The ESI program, also underway at several large European ports, involves a web-based tool that tracks and rewards vessel operators for voluntary engine, fuel and technology enhancements that reduce emissions from ships beyond the regulatory environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Vessels calling at the port can earn financial incentives by meeting certain environmental and emission requirements tracked by the web-based tool.

Honoured for their participation in the ESI program were K-Line America, Inc, APL Limited, CMA CGM (America) LLC, Evergreen Line, Hamburg Sud, Hapag-Lloyd AG, Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company, MOL (America) Inc., Nippon Yusen Kaisha, OOCL (USA) Inc., and Yang Ming Marine Transport.