- Shenzhen and Long Beach Ports Unite for Green Shipping.
- Ports and AQMD Collaborate on Decarbonizing Ocean Trade.
- Global Ports Agreement to Lead Green Revolution in Shipping.
The Port of Long Beach, Shenzhen Port Group, Hutchison Ports YANTIAN (YANTIAN), South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) and the North American Representative Office of Shenzhen signed a memorandum of cooperation to collaborate in decarbonizing ocean trade and inspire other similar efforts in building a green maritime economy around the Pacific Rim, reports Port of Long Beach.
Historic Memorandum of Cooperation to Decarbonize Ocean Trade
September 22, 2024 – Shenzhen, China: Port of Long Beach, Shenzhen Port Group, Hutchison Ports YANTIAN (YANTIAN), South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), and the North American Representative Office of Shenzhen, have signed a historic memorandum of cooperation on September 22, 2024 in Shenzhen, China. The partnership is set to decarbonize ocean trade, promote a sustainable green maritime economy, and accelerate innovation across the Pacific Rim.
This memorandum will encompass technical cooperation, the deployment of clean technologies, and infrastructure development in the maritime industry for more environmentally friendly sustainable projects. In addition, the partnership ensures development takes place while protecting public health and the environment.
Focus Areas for Cooperation
The accord outlines several areas of focus that become evident, including:
- Maritime Technology Demonstration Projects: Demonstration of new green technologies and testing.
- Clean Shipping: Cleaner ships to lower emissions because international trade vessels are the major source of pollution.
- Information Sharing: Virtual meeting and regional workshop -ways of bringing out knowledge sharing and best practices.
Targeting Shipborne Emissions
“One of the most important parts of strategic partnerships like this is the ability to target shipborne emissions, a source we have little power to regulate as a local port authority,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We see the potential for this agreement to make fleets cleaner sooner. The technologies and practices we develop through this agreement also have the potential to have a positive impact on the environment and economies far beyond our two ports and cities.”
Innovation for Better Public Health
Bonnie Lowenthal, President of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, said, “This type of international collaboration is critical to our shared goal of decarbonizing shipping in the decades ahead.”
According to Wayne Nastri, Executive Officer of South Coast AQMD, partnerships have been effectively able to curb the hazardous emissions in the communities.“The South Coast AQMD is excited to work with all our partners in this agreement to continue developing innovative strategies to reduce emissions and improve public health,” he said.
Green Fuel and Advanced Shipping Corridors
Shenzhen Port Group Chairman Zhaoyang Hu noted the utilization of new fuel bunkering technologies, such as green methanol, in attaining the targets of the deal. He identified the need to establish zero-carbon terminals and enhance port-to-port communication in enhancing cargo transportation efficiency and fostering green shipping corridors.
“These efforts will play a key role in achieving the global Dual-Carbon Goal and fostering deeper economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.,” Hu said.
A Global Vision for a Green Maritime Economy
Lawrence Shum, YANTIAN’s Managing Director, said the shipping industry is pivotal in global trade and needs partnerships to achieve common sustainability goals. “Through this memorandum, we commit to collaborating on technical exchanges, knowledge sharing, and project cooperation, positioning ourselves as ‘pioneers’ in the green ocean economy of the Pacific Rim,” Shum added.
Sister Ports Agreement
The memorandum will open up the opportunity for exploring a Sister Ports Agreement with the Port of Long Beach—the second-largest seaport in the country, for 8 million TEUs in 2023 and YANTIAN, one of the world’s largest container terminals by a single operator. This agreement may push economic and green maritime initiatives between both ports.
Port of Long Beach: A Global Leader in Green Initiatives
The Port of Long Beach is very famous for the Green Port Policy that has been provided since 2005 as a commitment to sustaining the environment. Lately, it has been recognized for pollution reduction, water quality improvement, and hence biodiversity improvement in the region.
As part of its combined effort with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach initiated the Clean Air Action Plan in 2006 comprehensive strategy to lessen port-related air pollution. The Port continues to be at the forefront of its green initiatives, handling trade valued at $200 billion annually and supporting 2.6 million jobs across the U.S.
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Source: POLB
