Reduced ship speed off California coast lower air pollution and threat to whales

A record number of cargo companies voluntarily reduced ship speeds off California to ease coastal air pollution and lower risks to whales, according to a marine conservation program called Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies.

Thirty-three global shipping companies slowed their vessels to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay region and the Southern California region from May 1 through Dec. 15, the months of peak air pollution and greatest abundance of endangered blue, humpback and fin whales.

It was the highest level of participation and cooperation since the inception of Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies in 2014, even after phasing out financial incentives, according to results announced Thursday. Shipping companies are recognized with awards for their level of performance.

The number of participants was greater than any previous year, increasing from 23 shipping companies in 2022.

The shipping companies reduced their release of nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gasses by 27 percent, compared to 2016 baseline conditions. The drop in nitrous oxide was equivalent to converting 800,000 passenger vehicles to zero emissions for a single year, according to the program.

Vessels participating in the program posed 58 percent less strike mortality risk to whales than if they hadn’t reduced speed, the program said.

Ship strikes are a major threat to whales globally and to the recovery of endangered and threatened blue, fin, and humpback whales in California waters.

Thirteen companies logged between 85 and 100 percent of fleet total distance at 10 knots or less in the vessel speed reduction zones, according to the program.

They are CMA CGM, CSL Group, D’Amico Tankers DAC, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), NingBo Ocean Shipping Co., NYK Ro-Ro, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), OSG Ship Management, Swire Shipping, Yang Ming, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

Container, car carrier, bulk and fuel carrier ships are eligible to participate in Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies.