The Port of San Diego is recognising 24 ship carriers for their participation in the port’s voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Programme, which helps improve air quality and reduces emissions in and around San Diego Bay. When ocean going vessels like cruise ships and cargo carriers slow down as they approach San Diego Bay, they help reduce air emissions, which supports the port’s environmental goals.
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In 2025, the Port’s VSR programme achieved a 94 percent compliance rate within 20 nautical miles of the bay and an 81 percent compliance rate within 40 nautical miles. Collectively, participating vessels helped reduce air pollutants and cut approximately 6,500 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
“The success of the Vessel Speed Reduction Programme shows what’s possible when industry partners work together to support cleaner air and healthier communities,” said Chair Ann Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “We greatly appreciate the carriers participating in this voluntary effort and their continued commitment to the environmental stewardship of the San Diego region.”
The following carriers are recognised for participation within the 20 nautical-mile VSR zone:
Dowa
Grieg Star
Holland America Line
Intermarine
MOL
Pasha Hawaiian Lines
US Army
The following carriers are recognised for participation within both 20- and 40-nautical-mile VSR zones:
Princess Cruises
Paramount Shipping Services
BigLift
LDC
BBC Chartering
Dole
Liberty Maritime
Ben Nevis Shipping
CIDO
Pacific Basin
Zucarmex
HMM
Silversea
Viking
NYK Line
Disney Cruise Line
Canada Steamship Lines
The voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction Programme is an objective of the port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy to lower the emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gasses from cargo and cruise ships by reducing speeds in the vicinity of San Diego Bay. Participating cargo vessels are asked to reduce their speed by 12 knots, while participating cruise vessels are asked to reduce their speed by 15 knots.