Long Beach port aims to slow down ships

Long Beach port aims to slow down ships The Port of Long Beach's governing board on Monday approved an expansion of a voluntary vessel speed reduction program to include new incentives for vessels slowing down within 40 miles of the port.
   The port began the program in 2001 and added incentives of lower dockage fees three years ago. The new terms of the program, which extends out 20 nautical miles from the port area, take effect Jan. 1.
   The voluntary speed reduction program provides a percentage reduction in Long Beach dockage fees for vessels that consistently reduce their speed within the program area.
   The new terms of the program agreed upon Monday allow compliant vessel operators on at least 90 percent of ship visits in 2009 to be eligible for the standard 15 percent dockage fee reduction in 2010. Those who comply with the 40 nautical mile range on at least 90 percent of ship visits will be eligible to receive a 25 percent reduction.
   The port, which covered $1.5 million in discounted dockage fees this year, expects to cover up to $4 million a year under the program expansion.
   The program boasts a compliance rate of more than 90 percent of the vessels calling the port, which officials said resulted in the elimination of more than 650 tons of vessel emissions a year. Under the program expansion, the port estimates that up to 2,000 tons a year of vessel emission may be eliminated.