Long Beach tests new clean-air system for ships

The Port of Long Beach Harbour Commissioners have approved funds of US$2m to test a new clean-air smokestack pollution-control system for ships in port.  The Alternative Maritime Emission Control System (AMECS) will divert ship’s emissions into an air-pollution filter-and-treatment device.

California recently began requiring container, refrigerated-cargo and cruise ships to plug in to “shore power” while at berth in order to reduce air pollution by using clean, landside electricity.  However, the regulations only apply to about 100 of the port’s 300 vessel calls per  month.

Under the pact, the port will rely on the regional South Coast Air Quality Management District authority to oversee the demonstration project, thoroughly assessing both the safety and pollution-reduction effectiveness of the mobile, barge-mounted system.