The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the Port of Virginia is receiving $380 million from the EPA’s Clean Ports grant programme.
The grant money will be used to buy and install electric assets and equipment while retiring legacy equipment powered by engines that burn gasoline or diesel fuel.
Using the grant, the port will retire more than 150 pieces of legacy equipment. Most of that equipment is at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT), but there will also be equipment replacement at Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT).
Furthermore, the grant will allow the port to forgo renewing the lease for some legacy equipment at RMT. All of the retired units will be replaced with new battery-electric equipment; the old units will be scrapped for recycling.
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The list of replacement equipment is extensive and includes specialised cranes for rail operations and container yards, forklifts, shuttle carriers for moving containers, electric locomotives, on-terminal trucks and shuttle buses for safely moving people to and from work areas.
Additionally, the grant will be used to further develop the port’s battery charging infrastructure and energy storage for expanding zero-emissions operations at NIT and RMT.
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“This grant is truly transformative for our port and our community,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority.
“It will make our operations more efficient and sustainable, enhance our capabilities and allow us to continue making strides toward becoming the US East Coast’s first net-zero port.
“This is an investment in the people working at our terminals, who will see first-hand the benefits of this modern, sustainable equipment. Our integrated approach to sustainability and efficiency is designed to advance opportunities for our workforce and our host communities.”
Earlier this August, the Port of Virginia announced its new central rail yard is now fully operational.