Cargo Business Newswire

Friday, March 14, 2014

Ships can plug-in at the Port of San Diego

The Unified Port District of San Diego recently turned on its new shore-power system at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. The shore side energy is aimed to reduce harmful emissions by allowing big ships to "plug in" to electric power from SDG&E, shutting down their diesel engines while in port.

The $4.25 million project, funded by the port's capital improvement program, started in 2013. The local contractor was NEWest Construction.

"The Port District is proud to be a leader in environmental issues and continues to be a great steward of San Diego Bay," said Bob Nelson, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. "By offering shore power, we not only improve air quality for communities nearby, but we also reduce our impact on the planet."

According to port officials, the plug-in energy source will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent per year, and will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by about 95 percent.

The project fulfills a regulation of the California Air Resources Board that requires California ports and terminals to provide shore power to container, passenger and reefer ships.

For more of the San Diego Community Newspaper story: sdnews.com