PoLB Attributes Emissions Rise in 2015 to Port Congestion

PoLB notes that its annual container traffic increased by 7 percent during 2015.

The Port of Long Beach (PoLB) Tuesday, in the release of it latest annual report on port-related air emissions, attributed a rise in emissions in 2015 to terminal congestion during the first quarter of the year.

The 2015 report shows that diesel particulate matter has decreased at PoLB by 84 percent since 2005, down from the 85 percent decrease reported for 2014, while sulfur oxides in 2015 were 97 percent lower than 2005 levels - the same level reported for the previous year.

Nitrogen oxides declined 48 percent in from 2005 levels, compared to a 50 percent decline the year before, while greenhouse gases (GHG) decreased by 14 percent, compared to 21 percent in 2014.

Despite the rise in emissions during 2015 compared to 2014, the port notes that its annual container traffic increased by 7 percent during the year, increasing by 296,000 TEU.

"The latest emissions inventory shows the effects of last year's congestion and increased ships at anchor. Thanks to labor and shipping partners, we cleared the backlog quickly," said Lori Ann Guzmán, President of the Harbor Commission.

"While we've had challenges, we continue to be committed to reaching our goal of zero-emissions operations. We are steadfast in our commitment to improving air quality for the region now and over the long term as evidenced by our recently approved $46 million mitigation grant program."

In March, PoLB said its Green Flag Program, which offers financial rewards for reducing vessel speed near the harbour to decrease emissions, had enabled shipping lines calling at the port to cut thousands of tonnes of air pollution during the 2015 year.