THE PORT IS FOCUSED ON A ZERO-EMISSIONS FUTURE
As a Port of San Diego commissioner, I’ve had the opportunity to see what other ports around the world are doing and how we can also innovate to build our businesses while better serving our communities and the environment. I was especially inspired on a recent trip to the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. As Europe’s largest port, it is building new, fully electric terminals. I believe we can do the same here, but we must have partners that share this ambition.
In numerous discussions with prospective maritime tenant Mitsubishi Cement Corp., we made it clear that we want it to join us in our quest toward a zero-emissions future, specifically to help us achieve our goal for all heavy-duty trucks calling on our port to be zero emissions by 2030. It’s one of our most important and ambitious objectives as we accelerate our port electrification efforts. We asked Mitsubishi Cement Corp. to show us how it was going to help us get there, but an acceptable plan was not produced; therefore, it’s impossible for discussions to continue at this time.
The Port of San Diego has led clean air efforts for years. Now that zero emissions vehicle technology is accelerating and demand throughout the country is increasing, we want to be among the first ports to proudly say diesel trucks are a relic of the past.
We’ve already demonstrated we are a port of firsts. We were among the first ports in the country to adopt shore power, which allows vessels to plug into electric power when they’re in port so they don’t have to run their diesel engines. We are now expanding our shore power capability so that most vessels — cruise and cargo — will either be able to plug into shore power or use emissions capture technology, which places a piece of equipment known as a bonnet over a vessel’s stack to capture and treat exhaust while the ship is at berth. These systems alone will dramatically reduce harmful emissions along our waterfront.
In just a few months, we’ll be the first port in the country that is home to an all-electric tugboat and the first port in North America to have all-electric dual mobile harbor electric cranes. Those will replace our diesel crane, which is our most polluting piece of cargo-handling equipment.
We are also moving forward with development of zero-emissions truck infrastructure, and in the near future, we’ll kick off a series of projects as part of a concept called Harbor Drive 2.0, which includes intelligent transportation systems to separate trucks from regular traffic, encourages port-related trucks to stay off neighborhood streets in Barrio Logan, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Added benefits include improved pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections, and urban greening.
With various partners, we’re investing no less than $112 million into these electrification and infrastructure projects as we check off the objectives of our Maritime Clean Air Strategy, a policy document that clearly lays out how the Port of San Diego wants to reduce harmful
Now that zero emissions vehicle technology is accelerating and demand is increasing, we want to be among the first ports to say diesel trucks are in the past.
air emissions by 2030 while it also supports our maritime businesses that help the regional economy thrive. The plan’s vision, “Health Equity for All,” is an environmental justice mantra that communicates to our neighbors that we share their values and desire for cleaner and healthier air for everyone who lives, works and plays on and around San Diego Bay.
Partnerships are most important as we bring our vision to life. It will take collaboration among government agencies in the region and the private sector. We know we can do business and be cleaner and greener. Tenants like shipbuilder and defense contractor Austal, Dole Food Company and sugar producer Zucarmex are proving that.
Let’s be clear. The Port of San Diego is open to businesses that want to work with us to meet our zero emissions goals, and we remain open to future negotiations with anyone who is committed to a zero emissions future.
The Port of San Diego is an innovative, global seaport, and we bear a special responsibility to protect and support the vast and rich resources of San Diego Bay. With this waterfront of opportunity before us, we will continue to support commerce while also being environmental champions. In doing so, we will make sure the bay continues to thrive and provide for all who depend on it, now and for generations to come.
Castellanos is chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners and of the Port’s Environmental Advisory Committee, and also represents the Port on the Barrio Logan Community Planning Group. He lives in Otay Mesa.