Port Green Initiative Flag Program Is a Success

The Port of Long Beach has successfully executed several clean air initiatives. Its latest success is the Green Initiative Flag program, which offers financial incentives for cargo vessels to slow down near the port to reduce air pollution. More than 135 shipping vessels have voluntarily enrolled in the program.

The program launched in 2005, and requests that ships slow down to 12 knots or less within 20 or 40 nautical miles of the Port of Long Beach. In addition, the port has also included vessel speed reduction for ships as a requirement of new leases with its terminal operator tenants.

The benefits are significant. According to the port, ocean carriers achieving a 90% or more compliance rate are eligible for a 25% reduction in dockage rates at the 40 nautical mile mark, while those slowing down within 20 nautical miles receive a 15 percent break in fees.