The Port of Hueneme has been awarded $5 million dollars as part of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Fund. The funds from this grant will be applied towards the purchase of shoreside power hardware components for the Port’s North Terminal and will add to the currently existing South Terminal shoreside power used for reefer and container vessels.
The Port of Hueneme North Terminal Shore Power project provides electrical infrastructure and electrical-grid-base connection, allowing ocean going vessels to shut down their diesel auxiliary engines while at berth.
On average, 210 vessels per year are expected to use the shore power facility annually resulting in a 94% reduction in particulate matter and a 99% reduction in Nitrogen Oxides over the lifetime of the entire shore power infrastructure project.
This funding will help us towards the build-out of a brand-new strategic infrastructure that’s needed to plug in our Ro-Ro customers ships at the berth and to keep us competitive in the global automotive and containership market
said Kristin Decas, Port of Hueneme CEO & Port Director.
The improvements at the Port of Hueneme will effectively eliminate noise and emissions from auxiliary engines, thus improving the labor working conditions and increasing the quality of life for neighboring communities. The project will also benefit shippers, truckers, terminal operators, and dock workers.
The VW grant will have long-term impacts on regional and national transportation systems by upgrading the infrastructure and significantly reducing the emissions generated by goods movement.
The Port of Hueneme is aiming to get the North Terminal Shore Power System operational within calendar year 2024. Once completed, the Port will maintain contracts to keep the shoreside power electrification equipment in operable condition for the life of the equipment, which is expected to be at least 20 years.
