OOCL was one among 12 carriers that were honored by The Port of Long Beach as leaders in implementing the Green Flag vessel speed-reduction program designed to reduce pollution from vessels using the harbor. At a special ceremony held on April 4, OOCL was presented with a Green Flag for having the highest rate of compliance with 100 percent compliance for 61 vessel calls.

When a vessel's speed is reduced to 12 knots within 20 miles of the port, harmful emissions are significantly reduced. Last year, the speed-reduction program prevented 400 tons of pollution from being released into the environment, said James C. Hankla, president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners. About 40 percent of all shipping lines achieved 90 percent compliance with the program in 2006.

The speed-reduction program is voluntary and is considered a first step towards even more significant pollution-reduction measures that the port will implement in the years ahead. As part of the Clean Air Action Plan, which was adopted jointly with the Port of Los Angeles, vessel operators will eventually have to use ultra-low sulfur fuel in their main and auxiliary engines when approaching the ports and will have to operate vessels at berth from shore-side electrical power.

Under the Green Flag program, the Port offers Green Flag environmental awards to individual ships and awards and discounted dockage fees to vessel operators who consistently slow down ship speeds near Long Beach, which reduces air pollution. The program is voluntary, and relies on the cooperation of vessel operators and ship captains.