The Port of San Diego has recognized 24 cargo and cruise ship carriers for their participation in the Port’s voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Program, an initiative designed to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in and around San Diego Bay.
The program encourages ocean-going vessels to slow down as they approach San Diego Bay. By reducing speed, ships burn fuel more efficiently and produce fewer air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, helping support the Port’s broader environmental and sustainability goals.
According to the Port, the program achieved a 94 percent compliance rate within 20 nautical miles of San Diego Bay and an 81 percent compliance rate within 40 nautical miles during 2025. Participating vessels collectively helped reduce approximately 6,500 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering other air pollutants that can affect nearby communities.
“The success of the Vessel Speed Reduction Program shows what’s possible when industry partners work together to support cleaner air and healthier communities,” said Ann Moore, chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “We greatly appreciate the carriers participating in this voluntary effort and their continued commitment to the environmental stewardship of the San Diego region.”
The Port recognized several carriers for participation within the program’s 20-nautical-mile zone, including Dowa, Grieg Star, Holland America Line, Intermarine, MOL, Pasha Hawaiian Lines, and the U.S. Army.
Additional carriers were recognized for participation within both the 20- and 40-nautical-mile zones, including Princess Cruises, Paramount Shipping Services, BigLift, LDC, BBC Chartering, Dole, Liberty Maritime, Ben Nevis Shipping, CIDO, Pacific Basin, Zucarmex, HMM, Silversea, Viking, NYK Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Canada Steamship Lines.
The Vessel Speed Reduction Program is a component of the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy, which seeks to reduce emissions from cargo and cruise ship operations throughout the San Diego Bay region. Under the program, participating cargo vessels are asked to slow to 12 knots while cruise ships are encouraged to reduce speed to 15 knots when approaching the harbor.
Port officials say the voluntary effort demonstrates how cooperation between the maritime industry and environmental programs can help reduce the impact of vessel traffic while maintaining the efficient movement of cargo and passengers through one of California’s busiest waterfronts.
