The Port of Oakland has reported a record number of ships plugged into the landside electricity grid in 2018 to cut emissions and utilize so-called shore power.
In a statement, it said that 75% of ships that visited it used the electricity grid to power onboard systems, which meant they could turn off auxiliary diesel engines and eliminate tons of diesel exhaust.
Shore power allows a ship’s system, i.e. its ventilation, heating, cooling, pumps, control and cargo handling systems, to remain active after its engine has been shut down after berthing.
We have more ships than ever plugging into power grid; clean air advance: shore power use up from 68 to 75 percent in 2018 https://t.co/uvil4pAsbY #shorepower #cleanair #emissions #MAQIP #AirQuality pic.twitter.com/kCD5R0bqxe
— Port of Oakland (@PortofOakland) January 22, 2019
In 2017 the Port, in a story that Port Technology reported on, announced the manufacture and installation of a 200-foot cable-on-reel at the Oakland International Container Terminal, which allowed more vessels than ever to plug into the shore power electric grid.
A recent Port Technology technical paper explored eco-efficiency in terminal operations
The Port said 1,543 ships visited it in 2018, 1,157 plugged into the landside grid. In December 2018 alone, shore power use reached an all-time high of 82% and the Port said it is working with ocean carriers to increase plug-ins even more.
The state of California mandates that shipping lines employ shore power at its six largest ports, including Oakland.
“Shore power is the most effective way we know to reduce vessel emissions,” said Port of Oakland’s Environmental Planner Catherine Mukai. “We’re pleased because the trends are positive.”
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