Key Points 

• Marathon Petroleum received the 2024 Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award for its continued participation in a voluntary vessel speed reduction program.
• The initiative helps reduce air pollution by encouraging ships to travel at slower speeds near the port, cutting smog-forming emissions and diesel particulates.
• Marathon has been a long-standing collaborator in the program, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility and community well-being. 

July 14, 2025 /3BL/ - Marathon Petroleum has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship by earning the 2024 Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award. This recognition is part of a voluntary vessel speed reduction initiative that encourages ship operators to reduce their speed to 12 knots (just under 14 miles per hour) within 40 nautical miles (equal to 46 miles on land) of the port. The goal is to significantly cut emissions and improve air quality in the region. 
 
“The ships emit less emissions when they travel more slowly, therefore the program has been highly successful in reducing smog-forming emissions and diesel particulates from the vessels,” said Ashlee Gattuso, Marathon Petroleum Commercial Marine Operations Manager. 
 
According to the Marine Exchange of Southern California, the program has helped prevent more than 1,000 tons of air pollution annually in the Port of Long Beach area. 
 
“Earning the Port of Long Beach Green Flag Award year after year is part of our unwavering commitment to the environment and to the communities where we operate,” Gattuso added. 
 
Marathon has participated in this initiative for several years and remains a dedicated collaborator with the Port of Long Beach in advancing sustainable marine practices.