The Port of Hueneme’s board of harbor commissioners has approved a contract amendment with California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District that furthers the port’s plans to build a shore power infrastructure system, as part of its Shoreside Power Project.
The project will allow vessels docked at the port to plug into the landside electrical grid, meaning the ships can shut down their diesel-powered engines while at berth, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the amendment with SCAQMD clears the way for the port to build the project in a “financially viable manner,” according to the Port of Hueneme.
The port is currently installing six shore power outlets on Wharf 1 to provide shore power to Berths 1, 2 and 3 for vessels regulated under the CARB At Berth regulation.
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s administration; Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Calif.; the California Air Resources Board and SCAQMD all contributed the progress of the project.
“This project will improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California’s transportation industry, furthering our state’s environmental goals,” said Brian P. Kelly, California State Transportation Agency secretary, in a written statement.
“When these large vessels turn off their diesel engines and connect to shore power, the whole region benefits, especially nearby coastal communities which can be severely impacted,” added Mary D. Nichols, California Air Resources Board chairman. “Using shore power helps clean the air and fight climate change because it cuts smog-forming chemicals, fine particle pollution and greenhouse gases.”