Diesel air-pollution from ships, trucks, trains and other big machines at the Port of Long Beach has declined by 82% since 2005, a comprehensive air quality analysis has found.
The report shows seven straight years of steadily declining air pollution.
Air pollution reductions are due to the ongoing shift to bigger ships that carry more cargo more efficiently, as well as newer ships with cleaner engines.
Increased utilisation of on-dock rail and shore power, as well as regulations requiring ships to use cleaner, lower sulphur fuel in their engines has also contributed to lower emissions.
In addition to the drop in diesel emissions, smog-forming nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides have been cut 54% and 90%, respectively.
Long Beach board of harbour commissioners’ president Doug Drummond said: “The Port of Long Beach is able to achieve these reductions through its deep commitment to environmental improvement and sustainability. We want to bring more zero-emissions technology to the port and continue to be the world’s greenest seaport.”
