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Digital Queuing at U.S. Ports Slashes Ship CO2 Emissions and Seeks Speed Controls

A UCSB-led electronic system cut per-trip CO2 by up to 24 percent through scheduled berthing, prompting researchers to explore vessel speed limits.

Overview

  • During pandemic delays, Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach implemented an electronic queue in weeks to replace first-come, first-served berthing and reduce anchor congestion.
  • Analysis of 47 million nautical miles across 10,000 voyages from 2017 to 2023 revealed a 16–24 percent drop in CO2 emissions per trip.
  • Real-time scheduling enabled ships to minimize idling and sail at more fuel-efficient speeds, cutting unnecessary fuel burn.
  • Next-phase trials will cap vessel speeds to seek further cuts, with models indicating that shaving one knot could save 308,000 tons of CO2 annually.
  • Coordinated arrivals have also reduced lethal encounters with endangered whales, offering wider ecological benefits.