TSA lines allowed to discuss slow steaming

Oakland: The US authorities have given the member container lines of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement the green light to discuss slow steaming. The Federal Maritime Commission will allow the 15 TSA member lines to discuss and coordinate strategies that will reduce air and water pollution, as well as vessel fuel consumption. "This is a thoughtful, forward-looking step taken by the Commission, under the leadership of Chairman Richard Lidinsky, to promote industry initiatives to address the global shipping industry's impacts on the environment," said TSA chairman Y.M. Kim, who is also CEO of Seoul-based Hanjin Shipping. Slow steaming reduces bunker consumption by up to 60% and has become popular with lines both to reduce costs and manage overcapacity. [23/02/10]