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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that the company has earned recognition from both the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, California, for its efforts to ensure compliance with standards that call for vessels to slow down within 40 nautical miles (nm) of the shore.

The Port of Long Beach runs the Green Flag Program, whilst the Port of Los Angeles has its Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Program. Both programs urge vessel operators to slow down to 12 knots or less within a certain range of the ports to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and sulfur oxide (SOx) in coastal areas to conserve coastal environment, and offer annual rewards to vessel operators that achieve 'extraordinary compliance percentages'.

Every year, a total of 250 MOL Group-operated vessels, including containerships calling at MOL's TraPac container terminal, as well as car carriers, tankers, and bulkers, navigate through the area covered by the speed standards.

"The ports have clearly appreciated the company's efforts to comply with the program and contribute to a cleaner coastal environment," MOL said.

"MOL continually contributes to environmental conservation not only in this area, but also at other ports all over the world, and takes proactive environmental steps on a global scale," the company added.

Image: At the Los Angels Vessel Speed Reduction Award ceremony. Third from left is Mitsui O.S.K. Bulk Shipping (U.S.A), LLC. General Manager Ryosuke Sugimoto, fourth Mitsui O.S.K. Bulk Shipping (U.S.A), LLC. General Manager General Manager Seiji Kawada, and fifth MOL (America) Inc. District Sales Manager Tim Ashley.