Marathon Petroleum has demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship by earning the 2024 Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award. This recognition is part of a voluntary vessel speed reduction initiative that encourages ship operators to reduce their speed to 12 knots (just under 14 miles per hour) within 40 nautical miles (equal to 46 miles on land) of the port. The goal is to significantly cut emissions and improve air quality in the region.
Ashlee Gattuso, Marathon Petroleum commercial marine operations manager, says: ‘The ships emit less emissions when they travel more slowly, therefore the program has been highly successful in reducing smog-forming emissions and diesel particulates from the vessels.’
According to the Marine Exchange of Southern California, the programme has helped prevent more than 1,000 tonnes of air pollution annually in the Port of Long Beach area. Gattuso adds: ‘Earning the Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award year after year is part of our unwavering commitment to the environment and to the communities where we operate.’ Marathon has participated in this initiative for several years and remains a dedicated collaborator with the Port of Long Beach in advancing sustainable marine practices.
