Thousands of trucks can be taken off Atlantic and Pacific Coast highways and their freight moved to more fuel-efficient "Green Ships" that will cut carbon emissions, save shippers money and create a new Green Marine Highway. This is the finding of "Green Ships Can Fight Global Warming," a report by Stas Margaronis, president of California-based Santa Maria Shipowning & Trading, Inc.
"The report is based on a ten-year effort to build fuel-efficient, low-emission ships to transport freight on U.S. marine highways," said Margaronis, who testified before the US House of Representatives transportation committee in February 2007. "Coastal or short sea shipping can remove tens of thousands of trucks from our roads and highways every day, significantly impacting our environment and infrastructure, making our roads safer and less congested, and bringing savings to consumers, shippers and taxpayers."
Margaronis proposes creating low-carbon freight corridors in partnership with trucking companies. Ships powered by ultra-low sulfur diesel and electricity would be contracted by shippers and truckers to haul containerized truckloads along coastal corridors, with trucks used for pick-ups and deliveries. Electric-powered trucks would eventually replace diesel trucks, cutting fuel costs and emissions, the report says.
Other highlights of the report include:
— The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that there is a 31,000-peak truck traffic load on the Pacific and Atlantic coast highways, I-5 and I-95. Initially, Margaronis proposes to remove 10,000 trucks from each highway by shifting their freight to 66 short sea ships, built at a cost of around $3.3 billion. In reality, the projected cost to the U.S. taxpayer would be $500 million for federal loan guarantees. In contrast, the proposed widening of one congested road, the I-710 freeway in Southern California, is estimated at $5.5 billion.
— One heavy truck carrying 25 tons of freight consumes 370% more fuel per ton than a tug and barge carrying 1,750 tons of freight. A heavy truck will generate 230% more carbon dioxide (in grams per ton-kilometer) than a ship that transports as much as 8,000 tons.
— Transport ships that sail between U.S. ports must be owned and operated by American citizens, and built at U.S. shipyards. However, the Bush administration’s opposition to Title XI maritime loan guarantees has denied the American shipbuilder and shipowner access to capital, undermining start-up shipping and shipbuilding in the United States.
— Developments in green technology promise a cleaner transport system. The Port of Los Angeles has already contracted for electric-powered trucks for short-haul delivery. And more ships are using diesel-electric marine engines, creating the potential of a battery-powered, carbon-free-emission vessel.
In his report, Margaronis also discusses historical and contemporary examples of shipbuilding that have stimulated local and national economies. He argues that the revival of short sea shipping, and its inclusion in a more integrated transport system, can create jobs, significantly lower U.S. carbon emissions and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.
Additionally, U.S. law guarantees these ships are built and operated by Americans as part of a new national economic development initiative that supports energy independence for the United States.
Margaronis is seeking signatures on an electronic petition that will be sent to Congress urging the allocation of $500 million to reactivate the US Maritime Administration’s Title XI loan guarantee program. This will facilitate the financing of 66 American built ships to transport truckloads by water.
As president of Santa Maria Shipowning & Trading , Margaronis has sought to construct small container ships for the US (Jones Act) trades since 1998 and worked with California Governor Schwarzenegger’s Freight Movement Council to develop a short sea shipping strategy for California.
More information on the Green Ships initiative is available at www.GreenShips.org.
Loading...