Port of Long Beach approves $58.2 million zero-emissions plan

Port of Long Beach has authorised $58.2 million to expand its zero-emissions cargo handling fleet, supporting its long-term objective of becoming the world’s first zero-emissions port.

Port of Long Beach approves $58.2 million zero-emissions plan

The funding, approved by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, forms part of a wider grant from California’s State Transportation Agency under the System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport (SWIFT) programme.

The initiative targets the deployment of lower-emissions freight technologies while maintaining cargo throughput efficiency and reducing environmental impacts on surrounding communities.

The investment package includes the acquisition of 61 units of zero-emissions, human-operated cargo handling equipment, supported by 21 charging systems. It also covers the deployment of six zero-emissions and five lower-emissions harbour craft designed to replace existing diesel-powered vessels.

In addition, the programme advances the introduction of one zero-emissions locomotive, extending decarbonisation efforts into rail operations serving the port complex.

Dr Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, said: “Expanding our clean technology portfolio is critical to the future of goods movement and to the health of the communities around us. We are not waiting for the future to arrive, we are shaping it and leading the way by deploying the latest zero-emission equipment to make a difference today.”

Frank Colonna, President of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, stated: “The Port of Long Beach continues to invest in zero-emission infrastructure and deploy a suite of incentives for early adopters of these technologies. This latest round of funding builds on the Port’s broader SWIFT program, which is accelerating the transition to zero-emission operations while improving the reliability and efficiency of cargo movement.”