SIX shipping carriers signed on for the Port of Los Angeles Environmental Ship Index (ESI), a European clean air programme that rewards carriers for having new and clean ships.
Developed through the International Association of Ports & Harbours' World Ports Climate Initiative, the ESI programme already underway at 14 European ports, this is the first application in North America, said the Port of Los Angeles.
Evergreen, Hamburg Sod, Happing-Lloyd, Maersk Line, NYK and Yang Ming have registered and will begin receiving payments from US$250 to $5,250 later this year.
"Growing participation among ports worldwide will increase the level of incentives available to ship operators that invest in and deploy the cleanest, most efficient and environmentally friendly fleets," said port executive director Geraldine Katz.
The scheme offers rewards vessel operators for voluntary engine, fuel and technology enhancements that reduce emissions from ships beyond the regulatory environmental standards set by the UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Payments are made on the bases of scores attained on a vessel's engine specifications and emissions certification; use of low sulphur fuel, plug-in ready on-board shore power technology, deploying ships with a Tier II or Tier III engine to the Port of Los Angeles and participating in a demonstration programme to test and improve vessel emission reduction technology.