Voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction Program Showing Signs of Success

Thursday, 17 September 2009
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

In March 2009, the Port of San Diego began a voluntary vessel speed reduction program as part of its Clean Air Program to reduce air pollution around San Diego Bay and the tidelands.

The period from April through June 2009 marks the first complete quarter since the program was implemented.  During this time, 27 cruise and cargo vessels called on the Port and 69 percent of these traveled within the voluntary speed limits during both inbound and outbound trips.

In the program, cruise and cargo vessel operators are asked to reduce their speed when traveling to and from San Diego Bay.  The voluntary limits are 12 knots for cargo ships and 15 knots for cruise ships.  Vessel operators are asked to observe these speed limits when traveling in an area that extends 20 nautical miles seaward from Point Loma.  The difference in the speed limits is based on differing engine fuel efficiencies.

Of all the cruise ships that visited the Port during this quarter, 86 percent were compliant with the speed limit.  Cargo vessels were 53 percent compliant.

In order for a vessel operator to be deemed compliant, they must practice the voluntary speed limit for 90 percent of the operator’s total vessel visits.  This includes traveling both to and from the Port.  During this first reporting period, three cruise operators and six cargo operators achieved 90 percent compliance.  Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd., Wilhelmsen Ship Management, Ltd – USA, BigLift Shipping BV, BNavi Ship Management Sri, Cido Shipping Korea, Co. LTD, Grieg Star Shipping AS, Magsaysay Maritime Corp. and Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd were the vessel operators that were compliant.

During this first quarter, the voluntary vessel speed reduction program has resulted in an estimated 10 percent reduction in emissions from participating vessels.

The Port keeps track of the vessel speeds by accessing data that all vessels transmit using automatic identification systems.  The data is tracked by a web-based monitoring system.

###