Representing 160 public port authorities in North and Central America, the AAPA decided on the emissions-limiting agenda at a meeting in Virginia last week.
The AAPA is modeling the new requirements on a U.S. government proposal for more stringent international rules for ocean-going vessels. The recommendation suggests new fuel and engine standards as ways to cut emissions. Beginning in 2011, proposed goals include a 15 percent reduction in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from new engines and strict emission limits for particulate matter and oxides of sulfur (SOx). Starting in 2010, it also suggests a 20 percent reduction of NOx from older “legacy” engines built before 2001.
The members of the AAPA agreed to work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set new international standards for NOx for tier two and tier three ships’ engines, for particulate matter and SOx for all vessels, and for NOx for existing vessels.
“What AAPA recommended and our members approved is for the Association to work with the 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,” said Susan Monteverde, AAPA’s government relations vice president.
“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,” said Monteverde.
