Americas News
Low Sulfur Bunkers, Shore Power Help Port of Oakland to a 75% Drop in Shipping Emissions
The Port of Oakland says that, between 2005 and 2015, ship emissions at the U.S. West Coast port have dropped 75 percent.
"The results indicate the Port is advancing its 2008 commitment to reduce seaport-related diesel health risk by 85 percent by the year 2020," said the port.
The news came as part of an analysis of Oakland's 2015 Emissions Inventory, which showed a 76 percent decrease in total diesel emissions at the Oakland Seaport - including emissions from ocean going vessels (OGVs), trucks, locomotives, cargo handling equipment, and harbour craft.
"This is a significant achievement," said Richard Sinkoff, Director of Environmental Programs and Planning at the Port, adding: "The reduction in seaport diesel emissions is important because it’s closely related to reducing health risk for our neighboring communities."
The port cited several initiatives that have helped to reduce emissions at the port, including shipping lines switching to cleaner burning, low sulfur fuel, and a $60 million shore power project.
Overall, the port says that the largest factor in the emission reduction results has been its 2009 Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan, which was adopted to reduce the health risk from diesel emissions.
In April, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) said the North American Emissions Control Area (ECA) alone is not currently likely achieve sufficient emission reductions within Regulated California Waters, and as such, the California Ocean-Going Vessel (OGV) Fuel Regulation would remain in place for at least another two years.
