Hydrogen and electric-powered cargo handling equipment has been demonstrated at a US port as part of its goal to become the world’s first zero-emissions sea port.
In recognition of California Clean Air Day, the Port of Long Beach organised for five vehicles to be demonstrated: 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.
The new equipment was purchased through a US$5.3m grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as part of the ‘C-PORT’ (Commercialization of POLB Off-Road Technology Project).
“Projects like these are designed to take us down the road to being the world’s first zero-emissions seaport,” said Port of Long Beach executive director, Mario Cordero.
The Port has several ongoing clean-air technology demonstrations in partnership with labour, marine terminal operators and regulatory agencies.
Mr Cordero added: “We have our labor partners of the ILWU, our terminal operators SSA and LBCT, and our regulatory agencies all working together to find the right technologies to reach our zero-emissions goals. With teamwork and cooperation like that, I think we can look forward to many more innovative projects to demonstrate new technologies.”
