Port of Long Beach announced the launch of hydrogen and electric-powered cargo handling equipment at two of its shipping terminals aiming to become the world’s first zero-emissions seaport, in light of California Clean Air Day.
Specifically, a $5.3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as part of the “C-PORT,” or Commercialization of POLB Off-Road Technology Project, enabled the port to buy the new equipment.
Also, the port has a number of additional clean-air demonstrations, in collaboration with labor, marine terminal operators and regulatory agencies.
The grant is in line with the California Climate Investments, an initiative that aims to tackle GHG emissions, boost the economy and improve public health and the environment. This initiative recently provided a $3 million grant to US’s first zero-emissions e-ferry that will be powered with hydrogen. Aditionally, port of LA was granted with $41 million for the ZANZEFF project to boost its goal on reducing emissions with next-gen eco-trucks.
Moreover, five vehicles will be demonstrated as part of C-Port: two battery-electric top handlers at SSA Marine’s Pacific Container Terminal at Pier J; and one fuel cell yard tractor, one battery-electric top handler and one battery-electric yard tractor at Long Beach Container Terminal at Pier E.
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal stated
Today, you see some of the equipment with the potential to take us to the next level – zero emissions. The equipment, which will be operated by our longshore partners at the Port, will help us reduce our impact on our neighbourhoods and contribute to the Port’s ability to increase trade.
In line with the project, information about the demonstration was presented into the coursework at the Port-sponsored Academy of Global Logistics at Cabrillo High School to support education and workforce development for new port technologies.
