DATE: November 9, 2021
SUBJECT:
Title
PRESENTATION AND RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT'S VOLUNTARY VESSEL SPEED REDUCTION PROGRAM DATED NOVEMBER 2021, IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE MARITIME CLEAN AIR STRATEGY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) program is a voluntary emission reduction strategy led by the District and available to ocean carriers to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the San Diego Air Basin from ocean-going vessels. An update to the District's program is an identified objective in the District's recently adopted Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) and this agenda item recommends adopting the updated VSR program.
The District's existing VSR program targets 80% participation and identifies a 12 nautical mile per hour speed limit for cargo ships, and a 15 nautical mile per hour speed limit for cruise ships, through a zone extending 20 nautical miles seaward from the end of Point Loma. The proposed VSR program seeks to expand the zone from 20 nautical miles to 40 nautical miles, it will increase the annual participation goal from 80 percent to 90 percent, and it will employ a weighted average speed method of calculation to determine levels of participation in the program.
Preliminary estimates suggest that if 90 percent participation is reached within the 40 nautical mile VSR zone, the proposed VSR Program Update would reduce annual emission for diesel particulate matter (DPM) by 4.3 tons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 225.5 tons, and GHG by 9,791 tons.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution approving the San Diego Unified Port District's voluntary vessel speed reduction program dated November 2021, in alignment with the Maritime Clean Air Strategy.
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FISCAL IMPACT:[h1]
This item has no fiscal impact.
COMPASS STRATEGIC GOALS:[h2]
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
* A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
* A Port with a healthy and sus...
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