Slow steaming cuts pollution

The port of Long Beach on the US West Coast has honoured thirteen shipping companies for practising slow steaming when travelling close to the port. The port's Green Flag programme provides financial incentives to ship operators for reducing the speed limit of their vessels to 12 knots when travelling within 20 and 40 nautical miles, respectively, around the port. According to the port, the programme has helped reduce pollution from ships by nearly 50 % since it began six years ago.

Source: Sustainable Shipping News, 8 April 2011

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