United States – The federal government is contributing $5.2 million to the Port of Oakland’s clean energy efforts.
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is providing funding for electrical power upgrades. The grant contributes to the Port’s goal of reducing emissions from maritime operations.
The funds could be used for three things, according to the port: the construction of a fuel cell site and a solar panel installation with battery storage; the replacement of an electrical substation; and the connection of the substation to a biomass generator.
Oakland’s long-term goal is to phase out the use of fossil fuels in cargo handling operations. The electrical upgrades show that the Port of Oakland is taking another significant step toward its goal of zero emissions at the Oakland Seaport.
The Port of Oakland applied for funding from the US Department of Transportation last summer. MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program provided the funding (PIDP).
Oakland is regarded as a leader in sustainable cargo handling among US ports. It has established a shore power system that connects ships to the electrical grid when they are berthed. At the Oakland Seaport, more than 15 battery-powered big rigs are transporting cargo containers. Thirteen massive cargo handling cranes have had hybrid engines installed. Oakland continues to operate night gates in order to reduce truck traffic and engine idling at marine terminals.
