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A coalition of government, non-profit and marine industry groups has announced the launch of a new trial incentive program in the Santa Barbara Channel to slow cargo ships down to reduce air pollution and increase protection of endangered whales, whilst also reducing fuel costs for shipping firms in the process.

Six global shipping companies: COSCO, Hapag Lloyd, K Line, Maersk Line, Matson, and United Arab Shipping Company are participating in the speed reduction incentive program and have identified ships in their fleets that will transit between Point Conception and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, from July-October 31, 2014, at speeds of 12 knots or less (reduced from typical speeds of 14-18 knots). Participating companies will receive $2,500 per transit through the Santa Barbara Channel.

The trial program, developed and implemented by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and the Environmental Defense Center, is modelled after speed reduction incentive programs at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, where over 90 percent of the shipping lines participate.

"Few people realize that ships off our coast, especially those moving at faster speeds, are a risk to endangered whales and the quality of the air we breathe," said Kristi Birney of the Environmental Defense Center.

"Reducing ship speeds to 12 knots or less reduces emissions of smog-forming air pollutants that harm our health," remarked Dave Van Mullem, Director, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District. "We are pleased to be part of this partnership to achieve common goals, and excited about the potential for improving air quality in our county."

"Slowing ships down reduces the likelihood that a ship strike on a whale will be fatal," said Chris Mobley, Superintendent for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. "We are extremely pleased with the positive response from the shipping industry to test non-regulatory, innovative approaches to protect human health and the marine environment while maintaining vibrant maritime commerce."

Currently, the program has funding to support 16 transits and the initial response is said to have been "extremely positive". The coalition received more than 30 ship transit requests to be included in the trial and is seeking additional funding to expand the trial.

"The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association is committed to finding solutions to both the air quality and whale protection issues based upon the best possible science," said TL Garrett, Vice President, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. "Our members are participating in this voluntary program to advance the science in order to find sustainable strategies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and providing enhanced protection for the whales off our coasts."

Maersk Line representative, Dr. Lee Kindberg, Director, Environment & Sustainability, North America, added: "The Santa Barbara Channel program is a logical extension of our other environmental initiatives. We appreciate this opportunity to help demonstrate the environmental and operational impacts of speed reductions in sensitive areas."

A key to launching this vessel speed reduction program has been participation from local and national foundations. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will manage the incentive payments with funding from the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District. Payments will be provided upon verification of the ships' speeds through the Channel, using Automatic Identification System (AIS) monitors that receive speed and location data from the transponders on ships as they transit.