Port of Los Angeles Signs Agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line That Includes Multiple Environmental Initiatives.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. -- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has signed a multi-year agreement with the Port of Los Angeles which includes commitments to several environmental programs, including the use of alternative maritime power (AMP) on its Norwegian Star ship, which is homeported at the Port of Los Angeles, when it becomes available in 2008.

Environmental program commitments in the agreement include: compliance with the Port's Vessel Speed Reduction Program which eliminates air emissions by slowing the ship significantly when it comes within 40 nautical miles of the Port; using low sulfur fuel (less than 0.5 percent sulfur) while navigating in and around the Port of Los Angeles; and AMP, also known as cold-ironing, which allows the ship to turn off its diesel-burning engines while at dock and plug into clean, shoreside electrical power.

"The only way we are going to lower port-related air pollution is to continue to push the envelope in reaching new agreements with our partner tenants," said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Port executive director. "This agreement is a new chapter in our relationships with cruise line companies, and we are excited to be working closely with NCL as we move forward."

"We applaud the Port of Los Angeles for their forward-thinking environmental initiatives," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation. "We are pleased to be in the forefront of port users in implementing the port's eco-friendly measures."

In November 2006, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach approved an unprecedented joint action to improve air quality in the South Coast Air Basin called the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). The five-year plan is a blueprint for the ports to significantly reduce the health risks posed by air pollution from port-related ships, trains, trucks, terminal equipment and harbor craft. Considered a "living document," the plan allows for updating as new technologies and processes become available. As part of the CAAP, the ports will be utilizing electrical shore power whenever possible, as demonstrated by this latest agreement with NCL.

The Port of Los Angeles is the first and only port in the world currently using AMP technology on container ships. The move to use AMP technology on cruise ships has been under negotiation for some time. Princess Cruise Line has also signed an agreement to utilize AMP technology for its cruise ships at the Port of Los Angeles.

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars. At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006. The Port of Los Angeles -- A cleaner port. A brighter future.