The Port of Oakland has officially joined the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) program as a Program Ambassador, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable maritime operations. The initiative, backed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), California coastal air quality agencies, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, seeks to reduce threats to marine life and coastal air quality by encouraging slower vessel speeds through sensitive coastal areas, per the Port of Oakland.
Under the program, participating shipping lines voluntarily reduce their speed to 10 knots (approximately 11.5 mph) while transiting through Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones between May and December, a period that aligns with peak whale migration and heightened ozone levels. Slower speeds reduce the risk of fatal collisions with endangered whales, diminish underwater noise pollution, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
As a Program Ambassador, the Port will actively encourage all vessels calling at Oakland to participate. According to port officials, 84% of vessel calls in 2023 were already made by carriers enrolled in BWBS, including major global lines such as CMA CGM, MSC, and Evergreen. The Port is now working to boost that figure even higher.
The BWBS initiative takes a rigorous, data-driven approach. Independent verification assesses compliance and environmental outcomes, and the program publicly recognizes high-performing participants. According to Becca Tucker, BWBS Director of Corporate Engagement, this transparency is a key element of the program’s success.
