Oakland reaches shore power milestone

In the summer, the parties conducted an initial test of the shore connection system on the vessel, Dallas Express. The final test was conducted successfully this week at the Port’s Oakland International Container Terminal which is operated by Stevedoring Services of America.

Deborah Ale Flint, port acting executive director, said: “The Port of Oakland’s Shore Power Programme is currently estimated to cost approximately $70m. This significant financial commitment demonstrates the port’s environmental leadership and overall commitment toward improving air quality.”

The total combined cost of the port’s shore power infrastructure and similar improvements being made by the private sector is estimated to be about $85m. Significant additional cost is being borne by the private sector to retrofit the vessels so that ships can plug into the shore-side system at the terminal too.

As well as the private sector, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Maritime Administration has also given a $12.8m funding contribution for the work.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation for vessels at berth will mean that one half of a fleet’s vessel calls at Californian ports will be required to use shore power beginning in 2014.

Eighty percent of a fleets’ visits must be shore powered by 2020.