Along with the clean-fuel initiative, Maersk has outfitted one of its ships with catalytic converters that have removed up to 90% of nitrogen oxides during testing. Pentimonti said the system, which cost about $300,000 to install, is not ready for widespread application.
The International Maritime Organization's current regulations call for a 30% reduction in nitrogen oxide from new ships or those being refitted with new engines.
Maersk's voluntary actions represent a significant break with the maritime industry, which has been questioning the availability of low-sulfur fuel and the potential cost of outfitting cargo ships with emission-control technology.
Recently, shipping lines threatened to sue the California Air Resources Board after it adopted plans in April to regulate emissions from auxiliary engines, which are used on ships to generate electricity while in port.
"This raises the bar for everyone," said Geraldine Knatz, director of the Port of Los Angeles. "Maersk has gone out and done this on its own without anyone forcing it upon them. It's above and beyond what's now being discussed."
In the last several years, port officials, state regulators and environmental groups have been formulating plans to greatly improve air quality throughout the Los Angeles-Long Beach harbor complex, which handles more than 40% of the nation's international trade.
They are especially concerned because cargo volumes in both ports are expected to double -- maybe triple -- in the next 20 years.
The proposals apply to auxiliary engines and heavy equipment powered by diesel engines, including trucks, cranes, cargo-handling vehicles, locomotives and small craft such as commercial fishing boats and charter vessels.
Maersk, which is part of A.P. Moller-Maersk in Denmark, announced its air pollution initiative during a news conference at Pier 400, the giant terminal it operates in Los Angeles Harbor.
Attending the event were Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) many government officials and state air quality regulators.
"For the ports to grow appropriately and to be the gateway for the nation, we've got to grow green. We've got to grow smart," Villaraigosa said. "By converting to cleaner fuels, Maersk is demonstrating bold leadership."
Environmental groups, including the Coalition for Clean Air and the Natural Resources Defense Council, also praised Maersk's efforts to lead the industry in controlling air pollution from ships.
"For five years, we had to sue the Port of Los Angeles to get any measures implemented," said Julie Masters, an attorney for the natural resources group.
"Now, the biggest shipping line in world is stepping up to the plate and putting low-sulfur fuel in their main engines. Maersk is proving the naysayers wrong."
