DC Velocity - December 2014

The Port of Long Beach is offering two new incentives to make moving cargo across its docks “greener” and more competitive than ever.

The Incremental On-Dock Intermodal Incentive Program reimburses vessel operators $5 for every loaded 20-foot- equivalent unit above the ocean carrier’s 2013 volume when the additional loaded containers enter or leave the Port by rail. The aim is to grow the Port’s rail business, which results in less of an environmental impact than cargo moved by trucks.

The intermodal incentive applies to new business in the 2014 and 2015 calendar years. For the each year, carriers will submit forms due the following January to obtain reimbursement.

A second incentive, the Vessel Dockage Waiver Program,
rewards cargo ships with “free parking” when they plug into
shore power at berth and slow to 12 knots within 40 nautical
miles of the Port. Ships subject to California’s shore power
regulations are eligible, and vessel operators may also qualify for
the incentive by using alternative technology approved by the
California Air Resources Board to achieve the same emissions
reduction.

Launched July 1, the incentive is earned on a quarterly basis with the first report from carriers due Oct. 13. The program extends through June 30, 2016.

Both incentives are among the economic rewards for routing cargo through the Port of Long Beach and reducing pollution from port-related operations. Other incentives are the Port’s Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction Program and Green Ship Program, which encourages the deployment of vessels with cleaner operating engines. Details are available at http://www.polb.com/economics/incentives.asp.