The Port of San Diego has accepted an approximately $2.7 million grant from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) to support clean technology investments.
The grant will partially fund electrical upgrades to power two new all-electric mobile harbour cranes.
The equipment will be the first of its kind in North America when they begin operating at the port’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT) in summer 2023, according to a recent release.
In addition to the environmental and public health benefits, the new crane system will represent the heaviest lift capability of any crane system currently in place on the West Coast, according to the port authority.
The funding was made possible through California Climate Investments and the Community Air Protection Program (CAPP).
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“Our new electric cranes will be a game changer for our communities as well as the environment and our regional economy,” said Chairman Dan Malcolm, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
“We are happy to have this critical funding from San Diego County APCD to ensure we have clean and reliable power to support the new cargo handling equipment.
“These cranes will replace our old diesel crane, eliminating a major source of pollution at our terminal. We will also gain a competitive edge over other West Coast ports.
“All of this means improved public health and air quality, more opportunities for the Port, and more jobs for our region. Everybody wins.”
READ: Port of San Diego to support implementation of zero-emission technologies
In support of the electric cranes, the Board has also:
- Approved the use of approximately $1.9 million of the Port’s Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) credit proceeds.
- Approved a construction contract with Leed Electric, Inc. for approximately $8.9 million to make the needed electrical infrastructure improvements.
The transaction was approved by the Board of Port Commissioners and supports the port’s Maritime Clean Strategy (MCAS) and its vision of Healthy Equity for All.
