The Port of Long Beach aims to be a model for seaports around the world with its innovative environmental policies and programs. Known as the ‘Green Port’, the Port of Long Beach has worked hard to become recognised as a world leader in seaport sustainability.
A ‘Green Port Policy’
It all started with the Green Port Policy, approved in 2005 by the port’s governing body, the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. The policy is a guide for decision-making and establishes a framework for environmentally friendly port operations. The policy is an aggressive, comprehensive and coordinated approach to reduce the negative impacts of port operations. Its adoption marked a shift for the port from compliance-oriented programs to proactive environmental initiatives. In 2015, the port will celebrate the Green Port Policy’s tenth anniversary, and the current board and new CEO Jon Slangerup have every intention of carrying through with the policy’s environmental promise. Along with pioneering programs such as the Clean Trucks Program, green leases, and the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, the Port of Long Beach has also implemented the ‘Green Flag’ and ‘Green Ship’ programmes in accordance with the Green Port Policy. Cargo vessels are major contributors to air pollution in and around a port, and Green Flag encourages vessel operators to slow their ships when calling in at Long Beach in order to reduce emissions. Green Flag is in its tenth year and participation is nearly universal. The programme rewards vessel operators for …
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