Oceangoing vessels are among the largest sources of nitrogen oxides and other types of air pollution in many port cities. International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards specify that vessels built after January 1, 2016 and used in “Emission Control Areas” — including the waters adjacent to much of the United States — must incorporate engines that reduce NOx emissions by at least 80% (Tier 3 standards).  There are, however, no international, federal, state or local requirements or programs to ensure that such vessels will be built and come to U.S. waters.  The rate of deployment of such cleaner vessels to U.S. waters is highly uncertain, but such deployment will be needed for some areas to attain federal air quality standards.  

With a well developed strategy to encourage the cleanest vessels to travel to U.S. Ports, the emissions impact on the air quality and public health of from this very large source of air pollution could be significantly reduced.