Marathon Petroleum has earned recognition for its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship through receipt of the 2024 Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award. The accolade acknowledges the company’s participation in a voluntary vessel speed reduction initiative designed to improve regional air quality and reduce maritime emissions.
The award-winning programme encourages ship operators to reduce vessel speeds to 12 knots (approximately 14 miles per hour) within 40 nautical miles (46 miles on land) of the Port of Long Beach. This voluntary initiative targets significant reductions in emissions while contributing to improved air quality throughout the region.
Vessels docked at the Marathon Terminal 2 in the Port of Long Beach, California
Environmental Impact and Emissions Reduction
Ashlee Gattuso, Marathon Petroleum Commercial Marine Operations Manager, explained the environmental benefits of the speed reduction initiative. She noted that vessels emit fewer emissions when travelling at reduced speeds, making the programme highly successful in reducing smog-forming emissions and diesel particulates from maritime operations.
The initiative has demonstrated substantial environmental impact, with the Marine Exchange of Southern California reporting that the program prevents more than 1,000 tonnes of air pollution annually in the Port of Long Beach area. This significant reduction in emissions contributes directly to improved air quality for surrounding communities.
Corporate Environmental Commitment
Gattuso emphasised that earning the Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award year after year reflects Marathon Petroleum’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and community stewardship. The company’s consistent participation demonstrates its dedication to sustainable practices in areas where it operates.
Marathon Petroleum has maintained active participation in this environmental initiative for several years, establishing itself as a reliable partner in advancing sustainable marine practices. The company’s ongoing collaboration with the Port of Long Beach represents a sustained commitment to environmental improvement beyond regulatory requirements.
Sustainable Marine Operations
The voluntary nature of the vessel speed reduction programme highlights the collaborative approach between maritime operators and port authorities in addressing environmental challenges. Marathon Petroleum’s consistent participation demonstrates how industry leaders can contribute to meaningful environmental improvements through operational modifications.
The programme represents a practical application of environmental stewardship that delivers measurable results while maintaining operational efficiency. The success of the initiative depends on voluntary participation from ship operators who recognise the importance of reducing their environmental impact.
Marathon Petroleum’s recognition through the Green Flag Award system underscores the company’s position as a responsible maritime operator committed to environmental excellence. The award acknowledges not only current performance but also the company’s sustained dedication to sustainable practices in marine operations.
The 2024 Green Flag Award adds to Marathon Petroleum’s track record of environmental achievement and reinforces its commitment to collaborative environmental initiatives that benefit both the maritime industry and surrounding communities.
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