Shipping Companies Recognized for Reducing Speed to Protect Blue Whales and Skies at Port of Hueneme

A Win for Whales and Clean Air

Robert Mazurek of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation celebrated the program's impact, stating, “This collaboration is a win for clean air, endangered and threatened whales, and ocean conservation.”

Ambassador of Conservation

The Port of Hueneme, an Ambassador for the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, collaborates with shipping companies to reduce vessel speeds near California's ports. This voluntary effort helps mitigate harmful impacts on marine mammals, reduce ocean noise, and combat climate change.

Industry Participation and Environmental Benefits

In 2023, thirty-three global shipping companies joined the incentive-based Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) program, lowering their speeds to 10 knots or less in key regions like San Francisco, Monterey Bay, and Southern California.

Sean Hastings of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary praised the initiative: "By working with the shipping industry to slow ships May through December, we're reducing the potential of a fatal ship strike on blue, fin, and humpback whales. We're also decreasing air pollution and ocean noise."

Top Performers Honored with Whale Tail Trophies

The recognition ceremony awarded "Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies" whale tail trophies to top-performing companies. Thirteen companies achieved the Sapphire level, the highest honor since the program's inception. Honorees included CMA CGM, CSL Group, D'Amico Tankers DAC, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company, NingBo Ocean Shipping Co, NYK Ro-Ro, Ocean Network Express, Orient Overseas Container Line, OSG Ship Management, Swire Shipping, Yang Ming, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

Keynote Panel Highlights Conservation Successes

A keynote panel featuring marine resource and air quality experts highlighted the program's significant strides in reducing ship strikes on endangered whales and aiding coastal counties in meeting air quality standards. Holly Lohuis, Co-Director of Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area, underscored the critical nature of these efforts, noting the channel's importance as a habitat for the endangered blue whales.

Robert Mazurek further emphasized, “It is very exciting to partner with NOAA, the air quality agencies, and industry on a program where everyone can see such clear benefits.”

Port of Hueneme's Commitment to Zero Emissions

The Port of Hueneme and Oxnard Harbor District also announced a groundbreaking commitment to achieve zero emissions across all operations within the next six years. Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director, outlined the port's vision for a sustainable future, positioning Port Hueneme as a leader in global port management with a target completion date of 2030.

Collective Efforts for a Sustainable Future

The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program represents a collaborative effort by various air pollution control districts, national marine sanctuaries in California, the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and non-profit organizations. The Port of Hueneme's dedication to environmental stewardship, combined with the active participation of global shipping companies, demonstrates the powerful impact of collective action in protecting our oceans, air quality, and climate.