Pasha Hawaii’s LNG-powered containership christened at Port of Long Beach

Pasha Hawaii’s newest containership powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), was christened during a ceremony held at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) on 1 September.

The ceremony marked the start of regular service of the MV George III, one of the cleanest boxships to call at the Port of Long Beach.

The vessel made its initial call at the Port on 17 August, when it became the first LNG-powered containership to refuel on the West Coast.

“We are proud to welcome a vessel that represents our move toward a cleaner future for this port, our community and the supply chain,” Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach Executive Director, commented.

“Our ability to accommodate the MV George III aligns with the port’s ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability,” Sharon L. Weissman, Long Beach Harbor Commission President, said.

“The Port of Long Beach is proud to be a regular stop where this ship and others like it will be able to refuel with liquefied natural gas.”

LNG-powered ships achieve a 99.9% reduction in diesel particulate matter and sulfur oxide emissions, 90% less nitrogen oxides and a 25% reduction in carbon dioxide compared to ships running on traditional fuels.

Welcoming vessels like Pasha Hawaii’s LNG-fueled ship is said to be part of the Port of Long Beach’s ongoing commitment to fulfill the goals outlined in the historic Green Port Policy and San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan enacted more than 15 years ago. These actions have led to unprecedented reductions in emissions connected to goods movement as the port continues to work toward a goal of deploying all zero-emissions cargo handling equipment by 2030 and zero-emissions drayage trucks by 2035.