Port of San Diego Honors 24 Ship Companies for Slower Speeds
The forty-nautical-mile zone extends seaward from Point Loma, with cruise ships asked to travel at 15 knots and cargo ships at 12 knots.
The Port of San Diego on June 1 recognized 24 ship companies, including five cruise operators, for participating in its voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Program. The port reported 2025 results of 94% compliance within 20 nautical miles of San Diego Bay, 81% within 40 nautical miles and about 6,500 metric tons of greenhouse-gas emissions avoided by participating vessels.
The program asks cruise ships to travel at 15 knots and cargo ships at 12 knots as they approach or leave the bay. Its 40-nautical-mile zone extends seaward from Point Loma, and the program is an objective of the port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy.
Ann Moore, chair of the Port of San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners, said the results show “what's possible when industry partners work together to support cleaner air and healthier communities.” She also cited participating carriers’ “continued commitment to the environmental stewardship of the San Diego region.”
Princess Cruises, Silversea, Viking and Disney Cruise Line were recognized for participation within both the 20- and 40-nautical-mile zones. Holland America Line was recognized within the 20-nautical-mile zone.
The both-zone group also included Paramount Shipping Services, BigLift, LDC, BBC Chartering, Dole, Liberty Maritime, Ben Nevis Shipping, CIDO, Pacific Basin, Zucarmex, HMM, NYK Line and Canada Steamship Lines. The 20-nautical-mile group also included Dowa, Grieg Star, Intermarine, MOL, Pasha Hawaiian Lines and the U.S. Army.
The port says reduced transit speeds lower fuel use as well as emissions, propeller noise and impacts to marine life. San Diego adopted the Maritime Clean Air Strategy in 2021 as an update to its earlier Clean Air Program, and the port says it has implemented 80% of the strategy’s short-term objectives.
