EVERGREEN GROUP’S “GREEN” MEGA SHIP, EVER STEADY,
MAKES HER MAIDEN CALL AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – January 18, 2007 – Ever Steady, the sixth of Evergreen Group’s new advanced technology “green” mega ships, made her maiden call at the Port of Los Angeles today.  Sister mega ships, Hatsu Sigma, Hatsu Smart, Hatsu Smile and Hatsu Shine, sailing in the Hatsu line, and Ever Superb have each called at the Port of Los Angeles within the last year.  Ever Steady is a member of the S-Class “green” ships in the Evergreen fleet, linking Southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to the U.S. West Coast.

The ship is part of a series of 10 Evergreen Group S-type container vessels with environmental features that go well beyond the requirements of new and soon-to-be introduced international green standards.  These vessels feature a double-skinned hull and fuel tanks positioned for optimal safety against spills and fires; AMP™ cold-ironing technology; a high capacity oil water separator that significantly reduces oil content in waste water; much larger bilge water and gray water holding tanks to reduce the need to discharge when sailing; main engines and generators that incorporate low NOx  technology; electric-powered equipment on the vessel; low sulfur fuel-burning capability when sailing in restricted areas; and an environmentally friendly anti-fouling exterior and undercoating to minimize marine life impact.

“We are happy to have another one of Evergreen Group’s new green ships sail into the Port of Los Angeles,” said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.  “As we begin a new year, fresh on the heels of the approval of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, we are excited to see yet another environmentally friendly ship call at the Port.”

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach passed the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) in late 2006.  The plan is a first-ever joint blueprint to aggressively reduce the emissions from port operations, and the associated health risks, within the next five years. 

The CAAP sets specific performance standards for the five basic types of emissions sources at the Port:  heavy-duty vehicles/trucks, ocean-going vessels, cargo handling equipment, harbor craft, and railroad locomotives.  Implementation measures include lease requirements, tariff changes, CEQA mitigations, incentives, voluntary measures, credit trading, capital lease backs and government-backed loan guarantees for trucks. 

For more information on the “Green Ships” of Evergreen Group, click here.

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.