Port of Long Beach announced that a fleet of 33 new human-operated, zero-emissions battery-electric yard tractors was recently unveiled at a container terminal at the port where the cargo-handling machines have replaced traditional gasoline and diesel-powered models.

In a statement, it said that the deployment — the largest of its kind on the West Coast — was led by terminal operator SSA Terminals LLC, a joint venture between SSA Marine and Matson Navigation Company.

"The new machines increase the percentage of zero-emissions equipment being used at the Port of Long Beach to approximately 20%," Port of Long Beach said, adding that the percentage will continue to increase as more zero-emissions equipment is rolled out at the Port.

The port noted that this equipment also accelerates Pier C's progress toward zero-emissions operations, a process that will continue further as SSA Terminals works to integrate zero-emissions, human-driven top handlers.
 
"Meeting our aggressive zero-emissions goals is not possible without the support of our partners, and this project is just another example of the shared commitment at the Port of Long Beach to a zero-emissions future," said Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach.

"I'd especially like to thank SSA Terminals for leading zero-emissions efforts at Pier C, Southern California Edison, for prioritizing zero-emissions infrastructure projects and CARB for the funding to make these types of projects possible," he added.

Bonnie Lowenthal, vice president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, commended all parties involved for "balancing the need for zero-emissions technology and infrastructure while bolstering the efficient movement of cargo by the hardworking dockworkers."

"We are excited to see the Port of Long Beach moving in this direction, consistent with Matson's goals of achieving a 40% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas fleet emissions by 2030 and net zero GHG emissions by 2050," commented Matt Cox, chairman and CEO of Matson.

Port of Long Beach noted that to turn the idea into reality, SSA Terminals closely collaborated with the equipment developers to create machinery and infrastructure that could withstand the intensity of a full workday on the docks.

It added that the equipment is capable of running a two-shift operation with a once-per-day opportunity charge. Both the Port and SSA Terminals worked with Southern California Edison to bring the project to fruition. 

The project is partially funded by a US$50 million grant from the California Air Resources Board for the Sustainable Terminals Accelerating Regional Transformation, or START project, a sweeping, transformative demonstration of a near-zero and zero-emissions supply chain.