PBWBS Program

pROTECTING BLUE WHALES AND BLUE SKIES PROGRAM

Logo featuring a stylized blue whale tail with the text Blue Whales, Blue Skies below, embodying the spirit of our conservation program.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Program along the coast of California which incentivizes shipping companies to slow the speeds of their vessels in our local ocean backyard!

Historically ocean cargo vessels traveled the world’s oceans at speeds needed to meet their schedules or arrival times. However, in the last decade the benefits of slowing vessels down near coastlines and in biologically sensitive parts of the ocean have become clear. Slower vessels produce less pollution, are safer for ocean creatures like whales, and importantly produce much less underwater noise. In Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, emissions from offshore vessels of all types contribute a significant amount of nitrous oxides (NOx) which blow into our local air basin from offshore.

The Port of Hueneme is California’s only Port Ambassador for the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Vessel Speed Reduction Program. The Port is proud to work with its partner shipping companies which participate in BWBS, with their demonstrated commitments to clean air, whale conservation and sustainable shipping. In doing so, the Port of Hueneme encourages them to maintain a high level of cooperation in the program in the years to come. The Port prides itself on being a leader in maritime sustainability and our success is greatest when we work together with partners.

Participants

Port of Hueneme’s cargo carriers received the following award levels, achieving the following air emission benefits:

PoH’s Cargo Carriers 2022 Award Level Cooperation Rate Estimated Regional CO2 equivalent Reductions (metric tons) Estimated NOx Emission Reductions (metric tons)
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Sapphire 86% 472 12.5
Hyundai Glovis Blue Sky 52% 297 7.3
NYK Sapphire 85% 973 24.8
K Line Gold 71% 848 20.8
Maersk Gold 80% 2,393 63.2

What's New at the Port

A man in a suit is sworn in by a woman in a green blazer, while another woman raises her hand, marking the announcement of a $3.935 million state grant for Port of Hueneme. A virtual meeting is visible on the screen as Californias port data partnership program gains momentum under the governors initiative.

Steering the Ship, Jess Ramirez Sworn In as President of Oxnard Harbor District

January 17, 2025

Download Press Release For further information contact: Contact: Letitia Austin Public & Government Relations Manager                                                                                      laustin@portofh.org                                                                                      Cell: (805) 816-8324 [PORT HUENEME, CA] –At a ceremony held…

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Silhouetted cranes at sunset grace the cover of the Hueneme Dock Talk 2024 Year End Newsletter for The Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District, celebrating a $3.935 million state grant as part of the expanding California Port Data Partnership Program.

Hueneme Dock Talk 2024 Year End Newsletter

December 27, 2024

  Thank you to all the Port customers, community, government, and agency partners who help us make cargo move. We wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new…

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A woman plays mini-golf outdoors, watched by three people, as she puts towards a ramp adorned with large dice. Nearby, discussions buzz about the $3.935 million state grant for the Port of Hueneme, part of California's port data partnership program ramping up progress statewide.

CAREGIVERS “Chari-Tee” Putt Putt Golf Tournament: A Celebration of Charity, Community, and Creativity

November 23, 2024

For further information contact: Port of Hueneme Contact: Adam Vega Community Outreach & Legislative Specialist avega@Portofh.org City of Port Hueneme Contact: James Vega City Manager jvega@ci.port-hueneme.ca.us (805)986-6518   [PORT HUENEME,…

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