Written by Kris Land
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to encourage businesses and individuals to consider green technology and conservation is through financial incentives. When there is a possible gain to be had, many people are more inclined to listen, regardless of their feelings on the green movement. There have been a number of new ideas brought to the table that provide economic incentives for marine vessels. These are intended to encourage businesses and boat owners to learn about and implement green technology.
The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program
The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment program has encouraged the reduction of 375 tons of NOx per year. The program focuses on reducing emissions produced by heavy duty marine engines, including fishing boats, bulk carriers, ferries, passenger ships, tug and tow boats, yard hostlers, and forklifts in California. The owner of eligible vessels can earn up to $12,000 per NOx ton reduced.
The standard project involves removing two Detroit Diesel 12V71 engines and replacing them with Detroit
Diesel Series 60 engines. On average, the typical ferry project earned $120,000. Interested parties can apply to participate in the Carl Moyer Memorial program through the California Local Air Quality Management District (AQMD) or the Air Pollution Control District (APCD).
The Mobile Source Emission Reduction Credits (MERCs) Program
A second program that provides incentives is the Mobile Source Emission Reduction Credits (MERCs) program. The goal is to reduce mobile emissions to help offset those produced by stationary engines. The return on the MERCs program depends on the current market value of emission credits. Much like the Carl Moyer Memorial program, the MERCs program involves replacing engines with more efficient models.
Economic Incentives for Marine Vessels (PDF)
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program
A third approach to providing businesses with a financial incentive is the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. To date, this program has had $8 billion authorized. The CMAQ program focuses on transportation related emissions by helping to fund projects that improve air quality and maintenance practices. This approach focuses on state and county transportation plans, encouraging public agencies to operate more efficiently with reduced emissions. Each public agency will compete for CMAQ funding by proposing projects that include a quantifiable transportation related reduction in emissions.
There are many ways local and state governments are trying to encourage residents, business owners, and their own organizations to implement green technology and good conservation practices. Economic incentives can help marine vessels operate in a way that does not harm the natural environment while still allowing them to conduct business efficiently.
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Going to a car wash is a lot more water efficient then washing your car at home.
1944: Camano Class Light Cargo Ship was laid down for the US Army as FS-289 at Wheeler Shipbuilding in Whitestone, NY.
1945: Delivered to US Army.
1950: Acquired by the US Navy on July 1, 1950 and placed in service as USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1954: The movie, Mister Roberts, was made on the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1955 - 1963: Used as a cargo supply ship for the Texas Towers, a network of advanced radar stations located off the Eastern Seaboard. In 1957, Capt. Sixto Mangual was commander of the AKL-17 and in 1961 it was rechristened the USNS New Bedford. The New Bedford, sailing out of State Pier, was keeping vigil when Texas Tower No. 4 callapsed off the New Jersey coast during a January 1961 nor'easter.
1963: Reclassified as Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-308).
1971: The New Bedford (IX-308) served as a Torpedo Test Firing Vessel in the Puget Sound area.
1994: Ceremony in New Bedford.
1995: The ship was struck from the Naval Register on April 4.
2004: The Sea Bird's current disposition is a tuna long liner (fishing boat) out of San Diego, CA.
2006: Design of the Tesla Turbine began on June 11, 2006. The Sea Bird was sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for commercial service.
2007: The Sea Bird was drydocked for renovations.
2008: The Sea Bird setting sail to Sea-Tac in Seattle, WA.
2009 - 2010: The Sea Bird is currently docked at Seattle Sea-Tac.
