Air emissions cut at Portland

The ability of a ship to “plug in” reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions while vessels are docked and running on electric power. Terminal 2, is home to the “Essayons” and the “Yaquina,” federal hopper dredges owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers and used for navigation channel maintenance at West Coast ports from San Diego to Grays Harbour. Before they moved to the terminal late last year, utilities were upgraded to allow the ships to plug in to shore side electrical and fluid services so they can shut the engines down while docked.

At Terminal 4, in late June, the ITB Baltimore docked at Berth 401, and Port electricians were able to hook it up to shore side power. An electrical upgrade at the terminal allows a higher amp electrical service to better meet the ship’s power needs. Besides reducing emissions and fuel consumption, the accommodation provides a source of temporary revenue for the Port.

At Terminal 6, Shaver Transportation Co. and the Port have worked together on plans to install electrical connections for tugs at their station near Berth 603. This year, those plans became reality with one of the newest locations where vessels can plug in to power their onboard systems. Besides plugging in, Shaver has retrofitted its boats with clean burn Tier II diesels.

Not all berths are capable of providing shore side power, Portland explains, and beyond the absence of infrastructure, there are operational, technical and business issues that affect whether it is feasible in a given location. In some cases, other solutions are more appropriate. In instances where it has been implemented successfully, however, such efforts to improve air quality are proving good for business and the environment alike.

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