AP News – America’s ports have labored to clean up pollution.

America’s bustling ports, the crucial gateways for the goods we rely on daily, have long been significant sources of pollution. For decades, the diesel-powered machinery moving everything from cars to orange juice has spewed harmful emissions, impacting the health of nearby communities and contributing to climate change. However, a recent AP News article, “America’s ports have labored to clean up pollution. Will that continue?”, shines a light on ongoing efforts to change this narrative, with Yusen Terminals at the Port of Los Angeles serving as a prime example.

The article opens with a vivid scene at the nation’s largest port: “On a gray March afternoon at the Port of Los Angeles, the largest in the U.S., powerful electric top-handlers whir, beep and grind as they motor back and forth, grabbing trailers from truck beds and stacking them as they move on or off the mighty container ships that ferry goods across the Pacific. Some of the ships, rather than burning diesel to sustain operations as they sit in harbor, plug into electricity instead.”

An electric top-handler is charging at a station at the Yusen Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in San Pedro, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

This shift towards electrification, exemplified by the electric top handlers at Yusen Terminals, is a key component of the broader push to improve air quality around America’s ports. As the article points out, “The shift to electricity is part of efforts to clean up the air around America’s ports, which have long struggled with pollution that chokes nearby neighborhoods and jeopardizes the health of people living there.”

The urgency of this transition is underscored by the stark reality of the pollution’s impact. The article highlights that the nation’s “300 public and private shipping ports have been centers of pollution for decades,” with diesel-fueled equipment emitting “planet-warming carbon dioxide and cancerous toxins that contribute to heart disease, asthma and shorter life spans.” This pollution disproportionately affects the “31 million Americans living nearby, according to the EPA, often in largely Black, Latino and low-income communities.”

A container is lifted at the Yusen Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in San Pedro, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
A top-handler drives in the Yusen Terminal at the Port of Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in San Pedro, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Fortunately, the article offers a glimmer of hope, noting that:

The $3 billion earmarked in the landmark climate law further fuels these efforts, providing crucial resources for continued progress.

The presence of electric top handlers at Yusen Terminals in the Port of Los Angeles, as captured in the AP photos, visually represents this positive shift. While the article acknowledges the long road ahead, the adoption of cleaner technologies and the dedicated efforts of ports like Los Angeles offer a promising outlook for the health of both the environment and the communities that live alongside these vital hubs of global trade. The question that remains, as the article title suggests, is whether this momentum can be sustained and expanded across all American ports.

Read the AP News article originally posted March 18, 2025 by clicking here.

New RTG Technology Implementation

Yusen Terminals is excited to announce the introduction of new RTG technology, which will enhance our import delivery process. This upgrade will improve efficiency and create a safer environment for our clerks working in the import delivery area. This technology is already widely used at many LA/LB port complex terminals.

What is changing?

  • Our RTGs are now equipped with RFID readers and new in-cab screens for our drivers. The RFID readers allow us to identify the trucking customer under the crane and identify your container, similar to our In-Gates when trucks arrive at the terminal.
  • The in-cab screen will display the container pile and highlight the delivery container for each truck. It is critical that the RFID on the truck is functioning in good order and matches the trucking company in our terminal operating system. A non-functioning or “bad” RFID tag will cause delays for your driver; essentially the machine will not be able to detect the truck is there.
  • With this new technology, our Yard Clerks will no longer manually review the Gate Ticket and chalk the tires/chassis with container location info before delivering the container. As long as the truck is in the right pile location, the RTG operator will locate the container and perform the delivery when the crane gantries into position.
  • For our trucking customers this change should be minor. Upon arrival at Yusen Terminals, the driver will continue to be processed at our In-Gate and will be issued a gate Routing Ticket with the yard location for your container. Drivers will continue to proceed to the designated delivery location, adhering to directions for queueing from Clerks and Security personnel in the area.
  • Once in the correct yard position/location, the driver will simply wait for the RTG operator to gantry to your location and perform the delivery of the container. Without exiting the vehicle, the driver needs to verify the correct container was delivered before proceeding to the out-gate. If a wrong container was delivered the driver can either notify a YTI clerk or report the matter to the Trouble Resolution immediately, and they will assist with resolving the issue as quickly and safely as possible.
  • YTI Clerks will continue to work and be stationed throughout the container yard to support OTR Customers. If the driver has a question or problem that requires assistance while at the terminal, they can get support at Trouble Resolution.

Timeline

  • April 14th – Kickoff Pilot of the new system on 1-2 RTGs only for the first two weeks.
  • May – The full rollout of new technology will be expanded to all RTGs throughout May, with all RTGs transitioned and using this new technology by June 1st.

Should you need to contact us, here are our Customer Service Team contacts by department.

Import Dept.

Availability, Appointment and Demurrage Inquiries
(310) 548-8296

Export Dept.

Export Booking and Appointment Assistance + Vessel close-out / cut-off Inquiries
(310) 548-8252

Yard Dept.

Empties, CBP Exam Schedule Inquiries / Status
(310) 548-8209

Rail and M&R Dept.

Rail Cargo Inquiries, Cargo/Container Incident / Damage Assistance
(310) 548-8206

Yusen Terminals Takes Delivery of the First Five Commercially Available Battery Electric, Zero-Emission Top Handlers in the Country

Los Angeles, CA (June 25, 2024) – Yusen Terminals, a leading provider of marine terminal services at the Port of Los Angeles, made history today by putting into operation the first five commercially available battery-electric top handlers at a marine terminal in the nation. The purchase of these new Taylor ZLC 996 electric top handlers will dramatically reduce Yusen’s carbon footprint, and pioneer a greener future for port operations nationwide.

Built by skilled union members in the USA, these innovative machines mark a significant milestone in Yusen Terminals’ ongoing commitment to sustainability. These machines will be operated by members of the ILWU Local 13 at our marine terminal in the Port of Los Angeles. Later this year, Yusen Terminals (YTI) will receive three more Taylor electric top handlers, transitioning 25% of Yusen’s top handler fleet to zero-emission.

Today’s press conference at the Yusen Terminals’ San Pedro, California facility brought together City and Port officials, local agencies, union and community leaders, representatives of the Consulate General of Japan, and individuals from the freight industry to commemorate this monumental achievement. Notable speakers at the event included City Councilmember Tim McOsker; Gene Seroka, Executive Director from the Port of Los Angeles; Robert Taylor, President and CEO from Taylor Machine Works Inc.; and representatives of Ocean Network Express, ILWU, and California Air Resources Board.

“These all-electric cargo top handlers are the culmination of years of rigorous, real-world prototype testing and development here at our port,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “I commend Yusen Terminals for its vision and leadership. Our collective commitment to pursuing this technology has paid off, helping prove this equipment’s commercial viability.”

The five new electric Taylor ZLC 996 Electric Loaded Container Top Handler Lift Trucks boast a remarkable 90,000 lb. (about 40823.28 kg) capacity, ensuring efficient handling of heavy containers within the port. Designed to operate for up to 18 hours on a single charge, these top handlers offer extended operational time, maximizing productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

“We are thrilled to unveil the world’s first electric top handlers, representing a significant leap forward in our commitment to sustainability,” said Alan McCorkle, President and CEO of Yusen Terminals. “At YTI, we believe in leading by example and setting new standards for environmental responsibility in our industry. With the introduction of these electric top handlers, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint and continuing to support our local workforce, but also pioneering a greener future for global port operations.”

Top handlers play a crucial role in port operations by efficiently transferring containers from trucks and trains. While traditionally powered by diesel engines, the introduction of these five brand-new electric top handlers represent a significant achievement in Yusen Terminals’ continuous dedication to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. Being at the forefront of eco-friendly port operations, Yusen Terminals is unwavering in its mission to spearhead the transition towards cleaner, more sustainable, and higher-performing container handling equipment choices.

Contact:

Fran Ohlheiser

Director Communications | Yusen Terminals 701 New Dock St. Terminal Island, CA 90731 Office: 310-548-8229| Mobile: 562-577-2732 Email: [email protected]

Yusen Terminals Launches World’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell RTG Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yusen Terminals is proud to announce that they will be testing the world’s first zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane in a 4-year program at their container terminal in the Port of Los Angeles. Yusen Terminals was selected to test the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, developed by PACECO Corp. in collaboration with MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd., as part of their commitment to the zero-emission future of the world’s ports.

Green ribbon cutting for the world's first zero-emission, hydrogen-powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) at Yusen Terminals operating in the Port of Los Angeles, May 7, 2024. Gary Herrera, President, ILWU Local 13 (center left), Hiroki Tsujii, Managing Director Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (center), Alan McCorkle, President & CEO, Yusen Terminals (center right).
Photo: Chris Valle/Yusen Terminals

RTG cranes are an important part of marine terminal operations, used to move or stack fully loaded containers, either for unloading inbound ships or for pick-up by drayage trucks. They are among the largest rolling structures, standing six stories high with a span of 80 feet and the ability to stack containers as many as six high. Yusen Terminal’s Port of Los Angeles facility currently has 14 PACECO Mitsui Transtainer RTGs in operation, all powered by diesel generator systems. While some electrified RTGs have been tested, this pilot program will be the first test of a hydrogen-powered RTG, using fuel cell technology currently found in FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicles). Hydrogen Fuel Cells produce electricity to charge the battery that powers vehicles and equipment, with clean water vapor as the only by-product of the process.

The benefits of the move to Hydrogen RTGs are very clear. They will play a vital part in reducing port emissions and delivering on the port industry’s commitment to air quality. In addition, the Hydrogen RTGs reduce noise pollution around the Ports, an important benefit for surrounding neighborhoods. As important as this RTG test is, Yusen Terminals is in development to convert a significant amount of their cargo-handling equipment to ZE in 2024. The 2017 Clear Air Action Plan, a collaboration between the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, sets an ambitious goal of having all terminal equipment at zero-emissions by 2030. Yusen is on track to reach those goals, with more announcements coming soon.

“Getting to zero-emissions at Yusen Terminals is one of the most important goals we have. That’s why this Hydrogen RTG program means so much to us. We all have to speed the development of these ZE container handling equipment and all the other means to reach the zero-emissions target, most of which are not yet on the market. So we are not waiting for the future, we’re helping build it,” said Alan McCorkle, President and CEO of Yusen Terminals.

“I applaud Yusen Terminals for this groundbreaking project to bring hydrogen-powered, human-operated RTGs onto our docks,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “It is this kind of innovative leadership and commitment that will bring us another step closer toward a zero-emission future.”

This program is partially subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).  The funds were awarded to Toyota Tsusho Corporation, the trading, investing, and business development company of the Toyota Group, and California-based PACECO Corp., and Japan-based MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of container handling machines for cargo terminals. As part of this pilot project, Yusen Terminals will be the first terminal in the world to test a hydrogen-powered Transtainer RTG.

About Yusen Terminals
Yusen Terminals, established in 1991, is a fully integrated marine terminal operating in the Port of Los Angeles. Yusen services several global shipping lines in addition to supporting both mainline railroads and the local drayage community to serve beneficial cargo owners shipping through the Southern California region.

Press contact:

Fran Ohlheiser
Director Communications | Yusen Terminals
701 New Dock St. Terminal Island, CA 90731
Office: 310-548-8229| Mobile: 562-577-2732
Email: [email protected] | URL: www.yti.com

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