Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach prep for increase low sulfur usage

Staff -- Logistics Management, 3/25/2008

WILMINGTON, Calif.—The harbor commissioners of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach said they have signed off on an incentive program geared toward spurring the usage of cleaner-burning fuel by cargo vessel operators when transiting within 40 miles of San Pedro Bay and at berth in either port.

Under the terms of the program, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles will pay the difference between the price of bunker fuel and low-sulfur distillate for vessel operators who make the switch to cleaner-burning fuel from 20-to-40 miles to the ports, according to a statement issued by the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Action Plan.

The statement also noted that vessels will be required to use low-sulfur fuel in their auxiliary engines while at berth in the port complex. And to qualify for this program, vessels must participate in the ports’ voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction Program, which limits speeds to 12 knots when switching to low-sulfur fuel.

Financially, the program is expected to cost the Port of Los Angeles up to $8.6 million and the Port of Long Beach up to $9.9 million, noted the statement. The program will kick off on July 1 and run through June 30, 2009.