EPA grant boosts San Diego electrification

The San Diego Clean Cargo Project (CCP) aims to reduce emissions at the port’s two maritime cargo terminals by installing shorepower and electrifying freight movements.

The total project cost will reach US$86 million, with an additional US$28 million in match funding provided by the Port, the San Diego Air Pollution Control District, Dole, PASHA, Skycharger and SSA Marine.

“We are immensely grateful to the EPA for its financial support and to our congressional delegation for helping us deliver on our promises to support commerce, community and the environment,” said chair of the board of port commissioners, Frank Urtasun.

“The port does not do this work alone and is fortunate to have the support of the Environmental Health Coalition and tenants like Dole, PASHA, SSA Marine, and one of our selected developers, Skycharger, who share our vision of health equity for all.”

Key components of the San Diego CCP include improvements to the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal’s electrical system, installing two shorepower systems for commercial harbour craft and equipping ocean-going vessels with the capability to connect to shorepower.

Additionally, the project will fund the creation of a zero-emissions truck stop and the purchase of 32 pieces of zero-emissions cargo handling equipment, 20 medium-duty shuttle vans and 25 heavy-duty trucks.

The Port of San Diego is also partnering with local environmental organisations to conduct community outreach and implement workforce development programs.

The project, expected to begin in early 2025 and finish by 2028, supports the port’s broader sustainability goals outlined in its Maritime Clean Air Strategy and Climate Action Plan.