Environment: Long Beach

Print this Article | Send to Colleague

Twenty-two shipping lines were honored on May 14 by the Port of Long Beach for their efforts to improve air quality by slowing down or deploying cleaner vessels – or both – at the port's first Environmental Achievement Awards.

Long Beach: Shipping Lines Honored at First Environmental Achievement Awards

Twenty-two shipping lines were honored on May 14 by the Port of Long Beach for their efforts to improve air quality by slowing down or deploying cleaner vessels – or both – at the port's first Environmental Achievement Awards. The Port’s Green Flag and Green Ship Programs encourage ships to slow down and bring the cleanest ships to the Port, respectively.

"Six or seven years ago, when we embarked on this program, people said you couldn’t do this, it’s going to impair business, the port’s going to lose volume," said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. "The truth is, none of that happened, and pollution is down by more than 80 percent."

Seven ocean carriers earned Environmental Excellence Awards for complying with both programs: Hanjin Shipping, Matson Navigation, K Line, Mitsui OSK, Mediterranean Shipping Company, OOCL and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

"Congratulations to the winners of the Green Flag and Green Ship awards. These fleets are the top performers in an industry that is working to reduce its environmental impact," said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Susan E. Anderson Wise. "We thank these winners and all the shipping lines participating in these programs, as they help to improve air quality in Long Beach."