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The California Air Resources Board has approved a special kind of pollution-scrubbing barge technology that works by channeling potential air pollutants through alternative plugin sources for ships. It is sponsored by the Port of Long Beach.
According to a port statement, the Long Beach port provided approximately $2 million in seed money to test the so-called Advanced Maritime Emissions Control System (AMECS), which provides an alternative power source to container ships by allowing them to plug in to the electrical grid to reduce emissions while at berth.
"We’re thrilled any time we can find more tools to reduce emissions and continue to improve community health. That’s why we fund projects like the demonstration and testing of these new technologies, through our Technology Advancement Program," said Board of Harbor Commissioners President Lori Ann Guzmán in a statement. "We’ve made a lot of progress in reducing air pollution, and we are nurturing new technologies like these to help us do even more."
"The California Air Resources Board’s approval of ACTI’s project as an alternative to the at-berth emissions reductions rule provides the flexibility our shipping lines need while protecting our environment and creating new jobs for our communities," said Commissioner Rich Dines in a statement.
The leaders were quick to point out Long Beach’s
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Photo credit: Business Wire
record-low pollution levels in the recently released emissions inventory. They described this new technology as a means to further reduce emissions levels.
"We’re building the Port of the Future here in Long Beach," said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Jon Slangerup. "Moving cargo efficiently is important to that mission, as is doing our work cleanly. We’re happy to have this technology as an option as we fulfill our mission responsibly and innovatively."
With the approval, the Carson-based company that created the system can now test the technology on new vessels, while container ships can use the technology widely.
For more of the Long Beach Post: lbpost.com
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