While the path to full port electrification is complex and demanding, Yusen Terminals’ proactive adoption of innovative technologies like hydrogen fuel cell cranes, alongside the ports’ ongoing efforts to secure funding and develop necessary infrastructure, signals a determined push towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for goods movement in the San Pedro Bay.
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are experiencing unprecedented growth, handling record and near-record cargo volumes. This surge underscores their critical role in global trade, but also highlights the significant environmental impact of their operations, where nearly 4,000 pieces of cargo-handling equipment are primarily diesel-powered.
Yusen Terminals is actively embracing a sustainable future, spearheading innovation by testing the nation’s first hydrogen fuel cell rubber tire gantry crane and already operating seven electric top handler vehicles. This commitment reflects the broader industry movement towards the ambitious goals set by the ports’ Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP): 100% zero-emission cargo-handling equipment by 2030 and trucks by 2035.
However, the article highlights substantial hurdles in achieving full electrification. A major obstacle is the lack of sufficient power infrastructure. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power estimates it could take up to eight years to provide the necessary power for full electrification of cargo-handling equipment at the port. Similarly, the Port of Long Beach anticipates needing six to twelve times more power than currently available.
The ports, acting primarily as landlords, rely on incentives to encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies by terminal operators and trucking companies. While programs like the Clean Truck Program, funded by a container fee, provide financial support, electrifying the drayage truck fleet presents its own challenges. Many small trucking companies face financial constraints and technological hurdles associated with electric and hydrogen trucks, such as higher upfront costs, longer refueling/charging times, and range limitations.
Despite these significant obstacles, the ports are making strides, bolstered by recent substantial state and federal grants aimed at improving zero-emission infrastructure. The Port of Los Angeles, for example, received a $412 million grant for electrifying cargo-handling equipment and is investing heavily in grid upgrades.
Eugene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, emphasizes a collaborative approach, stating, “This is how we serve our planet, by collaborating as a port community and contributing to a global effort to build a cleaner world.”
The CAAP, evolving since 2005, demonstrates the ports’ long-term commitment to environmental responsibility. Initiatives that began as voluntary incentives have even influenced state regulations, such as the requirement for container ships to plug in at berth.