Americas News
U.S. Port Launches Three-Way Cold Ironing System
California's Port of Hueneme Monday announced that Phase II of its Grid-Connected Shore Power System, which enables three ships to simultaneously access shore power at the port, was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
"By utilising grid electricity instead of the auxiliary engines on these vessels the port is not only reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides which form smog, but they are reducing emissions of diesel particulate matter and providing a public health benefit to their neighbours," said Mike Villegas of the Ventura County Air Quality Control District, an organisation that contributed $1.7 million to the overall $13.5 million project.
The project “represents a giant leap forward for the Port and the community,” according to Port CEO and Director Kristin Decas, who adds that "Over the lifetime of this project (30 years), annual emissions from refrigerated cargo vessels ... will be significantly reduced."
Those savings are expected to be a reduction in emissions of particulate matter (PM) by 92 percent, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and greenhouse gases (GHG) by 55 percent.
Phase 1 of the shore power system, which came online in April 2014, and has been used by "many ships" from companies such as Fresh Del Monte Produce Incorporated and Hamburg Süd, says the port.
"This project is a win for improving our environment, growing our local economy, and increasing the competitiveness of the port in the international marketplace," said Julia Brownley, a California representative in U.S. Congress.
California has had an at-berth shore power regulation since January 1, 2014, something the Port of Los Angeles in February made headlines for after it failed to enforce the new rules.
