- Port Surpasses Clean Air Action Plan Goals with Strong Reductions.
- Cleaner Cargo Movement Achieved Since 2017 Update.
- Leaders Emphasise Balance Between Growth and Sustainability.
The Port of Long Beach reports that it has continued to exceed its air quality targets in 2024, even as cargo volumes reached an all-time high. According to the 2024 Annual Emissions Inventory, there have been impressive reductions since 2005: 90% in diesel particulates, 68% in nitrogen oxides, and a staggering 98% in sulfur oxides, all while cargo increased by 44%.
Exceeding Clean Air Action Plan Goals
The Port not only met but surpassed its Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) goals for 2023. However, there were some short-term spikes from 2023 to 2024: diesel soot increased by 23% and nitrogen oxides by 12%, although sulfur oxides saw a decrease of 2%. This uptick can largely be attributed to the record-breaking 9.6 million TEUs processed in 2024—20.3% more than the previous year—and the inclusion of dredging boats in the emissions inventory for the first time.
Cleaner Cargo Operations
Since the 2017 CAAP Update, there has been a 4% reduction in diesel soot, a 27% drop in nitrogen oxides, and a 21% decrease in sulfur oxides. When looking at emissions on a per-container basis, there’s been a 25% reduction in diesel particulates, a 43% drop in nitrogen oxides, and a 39% decrease in sulfur oxides.
Leaders Emphasize Sustainable Growth
“Good jobs and economic development don’t have to come at the cost of environmental sustainability,” said Harbour Commission President Frank Colonna. “When the Port of Long Beach started this sustainability journey two decades ago, we were told it would negatively affect our commercial growth,” added CEO Mario Cordero. “Instead, we are moving record volumes of cargo more cleanly than ever.”
Pushing for Cleaner Air with CAAP Plus
In collaboration with the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach is set to implement “CAAP Plus” initiatives, which will include:
- Expanding zero-emission infrastructure
- Offering more incentives for cleaner ships
- Accelerating the adoption of shore power
- Funding and incentive programs for zero-emission trucks
Investing in Zero-Emission Projects and Green Corridors
The Port plans to invest $222 million over the next ten years into zero-emission projects. Currently, 21% of its cargo-handling fleet is capable of zero emissions, with plans for hydrogen fueling and electric harbour craft. Additionally, it has established green shipping corridor agreements with Shanghai and Singapore to encourage the use of low- and zero-emission fuels.
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Source: Port of Long Beach
