- The Port of Long Beach will invest $102 million under the SWIFT initiative to fund zero-emissions equipment, cleaner engines, and terminal infrastructure.
- The majority of the funding will support 65 zero-emissions cargo-handling units, charging infrastructure, and replacement of 37 marine engines.
- These efforts build on two decades of progress, during which emissions have dropped sharply while container traffic has continued to grow.
The Port of Long Beach (POLB) has announced a $102 million investment to accelerate the transition toward zero emissions at its terminals. The initiative will support the purchase of zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment, fund cleaner marine engines, and design infrastructure that will help achieve a zero-carbon future.
Backed by SWIFT initiative
The investment falls under the System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport (SWIFT), a program supported by the California State Transportation Agency’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program. SWIFT is aimed at boosting goods movement efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts on surrounding communities.Of the total funding, $93.4 million will go toward enabling terminal tenants to acquire 65 fully zero-emissions cargo-handling units and install the necessary charging infrastructure. In addition, harbor craft operators will be able to replace 37 marine engines with cleaner or zero-emission models.
Infrastructure and planning
A further $8.3 million will be allocated to designing zero-emissions infrastructure at SSA Terminals at Pier A and Pacific Container Terminal at Pier J. These investments are seen as key steps in laying the groundwork for a fully decarbonized future at the nation’s busiest port complex.
Leadership comments
“The Port of Long Beach is on the road to zero emissions, leveraging demonstration projects, investments and grants to reach a greener future,” said Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach.
Frank Colonna, Long Beach Harbor Commission President, added: “This helps our industry partners invest in new, cleaner equipment so they can continue their work to efficiently move cargo, while also laying out a path to zero emissions at two of our terminals.”
Long-term progress
Since launching sustainability programs in 2005, the port has cut diesel particulate matter by 92%, nitrogen oxides by 71%, and sulfur oxides by 98%. Notably, this progress was achieved even as container traffic at the port rose by 20% over the same period.
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Source: Offshore Energy
