ships

Sometimes it takes an energy crisis to make us realize the value of old technology. As oil prices soar, tall wind-powered ships are looking like an increasingly viable alternative.

The pollution in the Thi Vai river, near Saigon in Vietnam, has reached such a critical level that Japanese ships are now refusing to dock in the port for fear it will corrode their ships' hulls.

The committee hears about the serious health threats to children and families from air pollution that pours into port communities from large ships. Thisis a legislative hearing to review a bill that would substantially cut air pollution from these ships. Large ocean going vessels - container ships, tankers, and cruise ships - are among the largest contributors to deadly diesel air pollution in our port communities. And with international trade projected togrow significantly, the problem will only get worse.

In light of the recent spill in San Francisco Bay, this hearing examines the oil spill threats, risks, and vulnerabilities posed by large non-tank vessels.

Drew Kodjak, Executive Director, The International Council on Clean Transportation, is interviewed about pollution and greenhouse gases emitted from the world's oceangoing ships, particularly cargo vessels. He discusses what industry and others are doing to address the problem.

Earthjustice, Oceana, Friends of the Earth, and the Center for Biological Diversity have joined forces in the fight to reduce global warming pollution from ships. Despite contributing to almost 3% of the world’s carbon dioxide, marine vessels’ emissions receive no regulation under the Kyoto Protocol. Their emissions include several global warming pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and black carbon. This coalition of environmental advocates filed a petition today with the U.S.