Effects of a Vessel Speed Reduction Program on Air Quality in Port Areas: Focusing on the Big Three Ports in South Korea

Abstract

As the seriousness of air pollution from ports and ships is recognized, the Korean Port Authority is implementing many policies and instruments to reduce air pollution in port areas. This study aims to verify the effects of the vessel speed reduction (VSR) program among the procedures related to air pollution in port areas. This study was conducted using panel data created by combining ship entry and departure data and air quality measurement data. We measured the changes in air quality according to the entry and departure of ships and examined whether it changes due to the VSR program. For estimation, the panel fixed-effect model and the ordinary least squares (OLS) model were used. The results suggest that the VSR program had a positive effect on improving air quality in port areas. However, the VSR program’s effects were different over ports. Busan Port showed the highest policy effect, and Incheon Port showed a relatively low policy effect. Based on the results of this study, to maximize the VSR program’s effectiveness at the port, it is necessary to implement other eco-friendly policies as well.