POLB funding to reduce diesel pollution

The grant will enable the POLB to install cleaner cargo handling equipment at two terminals; Piers A and J. Eleven rubber-tired gantry cranes will be modified with diesel particulate filters or exhaust treatment technologies. The funds will also allow the planned Middle Harbour terminal project to be completed. For this, the money will fund five yard tractors to run on electricity instead of diesel.

Dr Robert Kanter, managing director of environmental affairs and planning, POLB, told GreenPort: “The equipment benefits the port by helping the port meet the pollution reduction and health risk reduciton goals of the Clean Air Action Plan.”

He added: “This EPA grant will not only reduce diesel air pollution at the Port of Long Beach, it will help accelerate these projects and allow them to happen faster than they would without the grant. We are also very excited that this grant will help one of our terminals make the change to zero emissions equipment.”

It has been estimated that during the lifespan of the cargo-handling equipment, the technology will reduce 33 tonnes of particulate matter, 25 tonnes of nitrogen oxide and 733 tonnes of carbon dioxide.