| News Release FOR RELEASE - October 10, 2007 Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org 703-684-5700 |
American Association of Port Authorities 1010 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: (703) 684-5700 Fax: (703) 684-6321 www.aapa-ports.org |
U.S. Ports Advocate for Reducing Emissions From Ships
"As stewards of the coastal environment, our member ports feel strongly that their seaport operations should be the cleanest they can be, so they have empowered AAPA to advocate for limiting the emissions that ships produce," said Susan Monteverde, AAPA's government relations vice president. "What AAPA recommended and our members approved is for the Association to work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support its proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt more stringent vessel emission requirements as part of the international MARPOL Annex VI treaty."
The recommendation calls for strict emission limits for particulate matter and oxides of sulfur, beginning in 2011; limits on new engines to achieve oxides of nitrogen reductions of at least 15 percent beginning in 2011 (compared to existing emissions levels in the current MARPOL Annex VI treaty); and phased-in requirements on "legacy" engines (built before Jan. 1, 2000) to achieve a 20 percent oxides of nitrogen reduction starting in 2010. The approach to cut emissions is through a combination of new fuel standards in certain coastal areas and new engine system standards.
At its Oct. 3 meeting in Norfolk, AAPA's members agreed to support the EPA in its quest to set new international standards for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) for tier two and tier three ships' engines, new standards for particulate matter and oxides of sulfur (SOx) for all vessels, and standards for oxides of nitrogen for existing vessels.
"Our member ports were clear that they want their association to take on the challenge of limiting ship emissions worldwide," said Ms. Monteverde. "Considering that emissions from ocean-going ships are predicted to grow by more than 70 percent over the next 15 years with the expansion of global trade, our members believe it is imperative to take a strong stand on this issue."
About AAPA
Founded in 1912, AAPA today represents 160 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 300 sustaining and associate members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports. As a critical link for access to the global marketplace, each year, Western Hemisphere seaports generate trillions of dollars of economic activity, support the employment of millions of people and, in 2008, imported and exported more than 7.8 billion tons of cargo, valued at $8.6 trillion, including food, clothing, medicine, fuel and building materials, as well as consumer electronics and toys. The volume of cargo shipped by water is expected to dramatically increase by 2020 and the number of passengers traveling through our seaports will continue to grow. To meet these demands, the AAPA and its members are committed to keeping seaports navigable, secure and sustainable.
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