Researchers astounded by simple solution to major issue at world's busiest ports: 'Like making a reservation at a popular restaurant'
At the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, a new digital queueing system lets cargo ships reserve their spots at the dock ahead of time. That means no more rushing to the coast only to wait offshore, engines running. The change is small, but the impact is huge.
The shipping industry is a major source of air pollution and climate-warming gases as container ships burn heavy fuel as they travel thousands of miles.
By letting ships slow down on their approach instead of idling near the port, researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that each trip released 16% to 24% less planet-warming pollution, according to a report on Phys.org. The fix is simple and inexpensive, and it doesn't require shipowners to install any new gear.
Image: Rosy Ko, Unsplash
