The Port of Oakland has set a target of emissions-free cargo operations as part of a draft air quality improvement plan sent out for public review.

According to the port, the document is called the Draft Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan and sets out over 30 pages how Oakland can transform the way in which it operates. It proposes everything from electric trucks to new infrastructure to eradicate freight transport emissions, including both diesel particulates and greenhouse gases.

“This is a bold and ambitious plan,” said Richard Sinkoff, director of environmental programmes and planning at the Port of Oakland and principal architect of its clean-air plan. “Achieving a zero-emissions seaport will take years, requiring substantial investments in transformative technology, new infrastructure and equipment. But we are 100% committed to eliminating emissions related to the movement of containerized trade, wherever and as soon as we can.”

The port’s plan specifies three primary clean-air strategies: continuing with a 2009 plan that calls for an 85% reduction in diesel emissions by 2020; promoting a pathway to zero-emissions equipment and operations that reflects the state of California’s 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas goals; and building out infrastructure – including electrical systems – to support a future less reliant on diesel-emitting cargo-handling equipment and trucks.

In order to achieve zero emissions, most of the port’s trucks and terminal equipment would need to be powered by sources other than diesel fuel. Alternatives could include battery power or other fuel from renewable sources.

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Under the plan, visiting vessels in Oakland would continue switching off engines and plugging into the landside power grid. This is done by nearly 80% of ships currently calling at Oakland. The plan promotes higher levels of shore power use.

The port said that public sector funding and investments by businesses serving the port would be essential in moving toward emissions-free operations.

The state of California is formulating stricter regulations for cargo transport and is expected to curtail diesel-powered freight hauling in the next few years.

The Port of Oakland has reduced diesel emissions from ships and trucks by 76% in the past decade.

A public engagement process has been planned before the draft air quality plan becomes final by the end of the year, according to the port.