The Port of San Diego has implemented around 66% of the goals and objectives outlined in its Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), according to the latest MCAS Highlights Report published this month.
In support of its ‘Health Equity for All’ vision, MCAS identified projects and initiatives to improve environmental and public health through cleaner air for all those who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay, while also supporting efficient and modern maritime operations.
“In less than three years since we adopted the MCAS, the port and our partners have done an impressive amount of work to improve air quality and public health,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
“With deployment of new technologies, we are proud to be a port of firsts, as we prove that we can be good neighbours to our portside communities and continue to bring economic opportunities to the region,” he said.
To enhance community engagement, the port conducted stakeholder and community talks to help promote MCAS’ projects and objectives.
The port’s commitment, along with its partners, has resulted in about $125 mill for maritime electrification and efficiency efforts thus far.
Some of these included:
- 16 fully electric cargo handling equipment, including two all- electric mobile harbour cranes – the first ever in North America, two reach stackers, two heavy lifts, three forklifts, and seven yard trucks.
- 25 electric vehicles for the port’s fleet.
- The eWolf, an electric tug operated by Crowley Marine, the first electric tug to operate in the US.
- Electrical infrastructure upgrades at the National City Marine Terminal.
- Cruise ship terminal upgrades, including additional shore power connections.
- A microgrid and other electrical infrastructure improvements at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
In addition to electrical infrastructure and equipment upgrades, MCAS has also focused on community education through various engagement events and the launch of the Portside Community Academy.
Developed in 2023, this academy provides structured education on maritime related air quality projects being pursued by the port.
There are still more projects on the horizon, including:
- Shore power enhancement at the B Street Cruise Ship terminal.
- Harbor Drive 2.0 – a modern truck route for the efficient movement of goods and enhanced pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections.
- Additional port zero emission fleet vehicles and charging infrastructure.
- Electrical upgrades at Tuna Harbor Wharf.
- Shore power installation at the National City Marine terminal.
- A bonnet system, also known as an emissions capture control system for deepsea vessels not equipped with shore power connections.
