In 2024, the Port of Los Angeles achieved record emissions reductions per container, despite a 19 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in container throughput—its largest annual growth to date.
According to the port’s latest Air Emissions Inventory, air pollution and GHG emissions continued to decline through expanded clean air strategies.
Since 2005, the Port has reduced overall emissions of diesel particulate matter (DPM) by 90 per cent, sulphur oxides (SOx) by 98 per cent, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 73 per cent.
On a per 10,000 container basis, emissions are down 93 per cent (DPM), 99 per cent (SOx), and 81 per cent (NOx). GHG emissions have fallen 18 per cent overall and 40 per cent per container.
Port leadership attributed these gains to long-term investments in cleaner fuels, zero-emission technologies, and operational efficiencies.
READ: Port of Los Angeles reports strong summer cargo flow
Executive Director, Gene Seroka, said: “This report confirms we are growing sustainably — moving more cargo while reducing emissions.”
In 2024, the port handled nearly 10.3 million TEUs. While this growth led to single-digit increases in DPM (8 per cent), GHGs (8 per cent), and SOx (5 per cent) compared to 2023, NOx emissions remained unchanged.
Cleaner, larger vessels have helped reduce ship calls by 34 per cent while increasing container volumes by 38 per cent since 2005.
Advancements in data analytics, planning, and equipment efficiency have further improved air quality outcomes.
READ: Port of Los Angeles plans new container terminal
Since updating its Clean Air Action Plan in 2017, the Port has achieved further emissions reductions: DPM (12 per cent), NOx (34 per cent), SOx (24 per cent), and GHGs (6 per cent).
The annual emissions inventory undergoes independent review by regional, state and federal air quality agencies, ensuring transparency and guiding progress toward the port’s zero-emissions goal.
To support ongoing improvements, the port employs a mix of lease requirements, incentives, grants, and global partnerships—including initiatives to establish green shipping corridors with Asian ports to decarbonise international maritime trade.
