Norwegian Cruise Line Inks Environmental Agreement with Port Of Los Angeles
Jan 29, 2007
Miami - January 29, 2007 --- Furthering NCL's continued commitment to the environment, NCL Corporation has signed a multi-year agreement with the Port of Los Angeles that includes several measures designed to support the port’s clean air initiatives.
As of Jan. 1, NCL's Norwegian Star, which is homeported in Los Angeles, has been using only low-sulfur fuel (with less than 0.05 percent sulfur) while at the Port of Los Angeles. Norwegian Star is also participating in the port's Vessel Speed Reduction Program which limits air emissions by slowing ships to 12 knots or less when within 40 nautical miles of the port.
In addition, NCL will utilize Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) on its vessels when it becomes available to cruise ships at the port in 2008. AMP, more widely known as shore power or "cold ironing", allows vessels to turn off their diesel-burning engines while docked and plug into cleaner, shore side electrical power, reducing air emissions while in port.
"We applaud the Port of Los Angeles for their forward-thinking environmental initiatives," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation. "We are pleased to be in the forefront of port users in implementing the port's eco-friendly measures."
NCL has completed the initial technical modifications necessary to allow Norwegian Star to plug into the port's AMP program. The second phase, which includes the installation of the plug-in switchboard, is scheduled to take place by the end of the year. Depending on the size of the ship, estimates are that AMP will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) by one ton and take more than half a ton of sulfur oxides (SOx) out of the air each day a ship is at berth and plugged in.
"The only way to clean the air in and around the Port of Los Angeles is to continue pushing the envelope in reaching new environmental agreements with our partner tenants," said Geraldine Knatz, Port of Los Angeles executive director. "We are very excited about the positive impact of this agreement and we look forward to working closely with NCL as we move forward."
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