Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd., (OOCL) is proud to announce that it was officially awarded special recognition for its voluntary efforts to reduce fuel emissions from the Port of Long Beach on March 20th, 2006.
The Port of Long Beach presented OOCL with a “Green Flag”; indicating OOCL’s continuing dedication to environmental security and improvement, in line with the company’s dedication to good corporate citizenship and community responsibility.
The Port of Long Beach introduced its “Green Flag Incentive Program,” in the autumn 2005. The Green Flag program offers special recognition to vessel operators that observe a 12-knot speed limit within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of the Port. Reduced ship speeds decrease harmful air emissions in the Port region.
OOCL was recognized as one of the “Greenest” vessel operators of 2005, having exceeded the compliance requirements within the voluntary vessel speed reduction program; and in January 2006, OOCL’s compliance rate was 100 percent.
“OOCL recognizes that sound business management must take into account the effects of its businesses on the environment. The Company supports practical measures and policies which will help protect and improve environment,” said Peter Leng, President of OOCL (USA).
To comply with speed reduction program OOCL vessels need to increase speed while at sea, and require additional maintenance and labor to maintain their schedules.
“OOCL recognizes that the pursuit of economic growth and a healthy environment are inextricably linked. We acknowledge that governments, businesses and individuals all have a part to play in bringing about sustainable economic development: meeting the needs of the present without compromising those of the future.”
Port officials estimate that if all vessels comply with the program, the amount of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced by cargo ships would be reduced by nearly 550 tons a year.
Dr. Mike Walter, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioner; John Hancook, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioner; Mario Cordero, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioner; James Hankla, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioner Vice President; Doris Topsy-Elvord, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commission President; Captain B. H. Tan, Master of OOCL Tianjin; Paul Connoly, OOCL; James Chen, OOCL; Bob Wallace; and Richard Steinke, Executive Director.
Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Stock Exchange-listed Orient Overseas (International) Ltd. Headquartered in Hong Kong, OOCL is one of the world's leading container transport and logistics service providers, with more than 230 offices in 58 countries, employing over 5,900 staff globally: 4,950 shore staff and 950 sea staff. Linking Asia, Europe, North America, the Mediterranean, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East and Australia/New Zealand, the company offers transportation services to all major east/west trading economies of the world. OOCL is one of the leading international carriers serving China, providing a full range of logistics and transportation services throughout the country. It is also an industry leader in the use of information technology and e-commerce to manage the entire cargo process. Website: www.oocl.com
