Port of Oakland announced its plans for a greener containerized cargo handling. The port stated that its largest marine terminal is converting 13 diesel-powered yard cranes to hybrid power. The result is expected to be an annual 45-ton reduction in diesel-related air pollutants.
Specifically, the first hybrid crane began operations on March 5, at Oakland International Container Terminal.
The rest of the retrofitted fleet will come online next year, the Port said.
Each crane, shaped like an inverted U on wheels, is being equipped with batteries and new, smaller diesel backup engines.
Catherine Mukai, Port of Oakland Environmental Planner, commented
This is the Prius of cargo-handling equipment. We’re gratified that our partners at the terminal are taking this step to help clear the air.
In July 2018, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District awarded the terminal operator, SSA Terminals, a $5 million grant for the hybrid project through its Community Health Protection Grant Program.
Therefore, SSA Terminals is spending $1 million more to retrofit its cranes.
The port reported that the terminal operator could regain its cost in a timeframe of two years, thanks to fuel savings.
Jim Rice, General Manager at Oakland International Container Terminal noted that the port depends on the hybrid equipment to maintain a smooth cargo flow.
The massive cranes, known as Rubber Tired Gantry Cranes, are the workhorses of port operations worldwide. They straddle mile-long rows of containers, lifting boxes on and off trucks and have a 50-ton lift capacity.