Although 5,000 ships, carrying more than 6 million container units full of cargo, valued at more than $100 billion pass through the Long Beach Port every year, much of the port’s activities remain unknown to Long Beach residents.
The sixth annual Green Port Festival, taking place this Saturday at 10 a.m., sheds light on the 99-year-old port by educating the Long Beach community about its operations.
“Part of our policy is to share what we do,” media relations specialist Lee Peterson said. “If we don’t make the community aware of what we are doing, then the community will not have the knowledge they need to make sure we follow through with our commitments.”
The port will be showcasing the environmental innovations it has implemented to cut down on air pollution. Long Beach Port is home to the world’s first hybrid tugboat, which operates like a Prius with its diesel engine and electric motors. In 2008, the port replaced 9,000 old trucks with new ones to reduce emissions. A volunteer program that has a 90 percent participation rate asked the ships coming into the port to slow down to 12 knots when the ship gets within 40 nautical miles of the port, which helps cut the air pollution they produce.
The festival, which attracted 10,000 people last year, will provide free tours of the environmental programs, as well as cargo operations and security programs.
“It is the best way in one day to learn as much as you can about the Port of Long Beach,” Peterson said.
There will be a narrated boat tour to take passengers around several wharfs, passing some of the largest cargo ships along the way. A Metro Link passenger car will take participants through a working terminal. This year, there will be a pre-event bike tour starting at 9 a.m. which takes riders through the port on a guided tour.
Robert Wyland, who painted the 116,000 square foot mural of marine life on Long Beach Arena, will be at the festival painting a new mural with the help of children. He will also be giving environmental tips for sustainable living.
There will be free parking at the Long Beach Convention Center with shuttles driving to and from the event. There will also be free food and free entertainment, including live music from school bands. Information about the event can be found at the port’s website, polb.com/community/portfest/default.asp
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