Ocean-Going Vessel Emission Reduction

Alternative Maritime Power® (AMP®) is a unique air quality program that focuses on reducing emissions from container vessels docked at the Port of Los Angeles. Instead of running on diesel power while at berth, AMP-equipped ships “plug in” to shore side electrical power – literally an alternative power source for oceangoing vessels.  AMP is also referred to shore power, cold ironing, or High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) Systems. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has certified barge-based alternative capture and control emissions technology systems that treat emissions from ocean-going vessels at-berth. These systems can be used as an alternative to AMP to meet CARB at-berth regulations.

The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is an international clean ship indexing program developed through the International Association of Ports and Harbors' World Ports Climate Initiative that seeks international collaboration among ports and shipping lines to reduce air emissions, greenhouse gases, and promote sustainability. The Port of Los Angeles’ voluntary ESI Program has been developed to reward vessel operators for reducing emissions from their ocean-going vessels, and going beyond compliance by bringing their newest and cleanest vessels to the Port, demonstrating technologies onboard their vessels. It also encourages use of cleaner technology and practices in advance of regulations.

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have developed the Technology Advancement Program (TAP) to support development and demonstration of new, clean air technologies in the port environment. The TAP provides an incentive for existing ocean-going vessels that are demonstrating an emission reduction technology that reduces diesel particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. All testing and demonstrations will be conducted through the San Pedro Bay Ports' TAP.

The objective of the Vessel Speed Reduction Program (VSRP) is to reduce emissions from ocean-going vessels by slowing their speeds as they approach or depart the Port, at 20 or 40 nautical miles from Point Fermin. A voluntary VSRP was established in 2001 with the signing of a cooperative Memorandum of Understanding among the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Steamship Association of Southern California, and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. The Port provides this incentive on an annual basis and does not require registration at this time.