Starcrest Consulting Study Finds Opting for US West Coast Ports Cuts More Greenhouse Gas Emissions Than East or Gulf Coast Alternatives for Asian Cargo Routes.
Regulatory Impact
According to the study, cargo movement from Asia through the US West Coast ports, specifically Long Beach and Los Angeles ports, offers the shortest route between the regions. The proximity of the West Coast ports to Asia allows for shorter transit times, which means less fuel consumption and lower emissions during the voyage.
State and local regulations designed to curb emissions from the maritime and logistics sectors in California have played a role in shifting cargo flow away from the West Coast and towards ports in the East and Gulf Coast, the study noted.
Impact on Pacific Northwest
These regulations have led to an increase in operational costs for shipping companies. As a result, there can be unintended consequences, such as the shifting of cargo flows to less expensive gateways with longer transit times. This shift can ultimately lead to greater GHG emissions.
“Cargo bypassing the West Coast to be transported through less expensive and less regulatory cumbersome gateways see much longer transit times, along with associated greater GHG emissions,” Starcrest stated.
California Air Resources
Diversion of cargoes from the Pacific Northwest to the East or Gulf Coast increases GHG emissions by as much as 26% on average, the study found. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced new regulations requiring all new heavy-duty truck sales to be zero-emission by 2045.
“This study demonstrates the environmental risk associated with cargo diversion. Public officials must take a holistic approach when it comes to climate change policies.”, Vice President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) Thomas Jelenić, commented.
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Source: Engine
