The Port of San Diego was awarded a nearly $59 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Port’s San Diego Clean Cargo Project (CCP), which will further electrify operations at its two maritime terminals and support Zero Emissions freight movement. In a matching fund provided collectively by the Port, the San Diego Air Pollution Control District, PASHA, Skycharger, and SSA Marine, an additional $28 match funding brings the total project cost to $86 million.
“The Port of San Diego has long been a leader in powering our national supply chain and advancing low-emission technology, and the San Diego Clean Cargo Project will take that commitment even further,” said Senator Alex Padilla in a press release. “This critical investment, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will electrify two of the Port’s high-volume cargo terminals to reduce air pollution in surrounding communities and stimulate economic growth.”
The San Diego CCP will significantly reduce emissions to neighboring communities by implementing the following project components:
• Construct all remaining improvements to the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminals’ (TAMT) legacy 12-kilovolt (kV) electrical distribution system (12-kV loop) to support zero-emissions electric equipment and shore power systems.
• Install two shore power systems to support commercial harbor craft at TAMT and deployed throughout San Diego Bay.
• Install a shore power system to support Ocean Going Vessels calling at TAMT that can connect to the system.
• Advance a proposed Zero Emissions Truck Stop, strategically located to serve the Port of San Diego’s two maritime cargo terminals, the arterial corridor Harbor Drive, and the region’s freeway network.
•Purchase and deploy battery-electric zero-emissions equipment, vehicles, and charging infrastructure, including 32 pieces of cargo handling equipment, 20 medium-duty stevedore shuttle vans, and 25 heavy-duty trucks.
Congressman Scott Peters said that the Port has worked long to advance clean air initiatives and electrification of its maritime terminals, something he pushed for when he served on the Port Commission.
“This year, I was very pleased to support San Diego in the Clean Ports Program: Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition. This award ensures that San Diego continues to be at the forefront of sustainable, efficient goods movement while improving air quality and supporting the health of our portside communities,” he stated.
Congressman Juan Vargas said the Port is essential in powering the regional economy.
“I’m glad to see this federal funding awarded to the Port of San Diego to help it lead on clean cargo practices and reach its environmental and public health goals,” he said.
Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners said the Port for the EPA’s financial support and congressional delegation for helping the Ports deliver on its promises to support commerce, community, and the environment.
“The Port does not do this work alone and is fortunate to have the support of the Environmental Health Coalition and tenants like Dole, PASHA, SSA Marine, and one of our selected developers, Skycharger, who share our vision of health equity for all,” he said.
In addition to the support of Port tenants, a service provider, and one of the developers working with the Port, the Environmental Health Coalition, a local environmental justice organization, has agreed to partner with the Port to conduct community outreach and implement a workforce development program. An allocation of $400,000 in funding has been designated for community outreach that will be conducted over a four-year span. Another $500,000 will be for the implementation of a workforce development program.
“This grant from the EPA is a significant step toward demonstrating a clean energy future for the Port of San Diego and ports nationwide,” stated Franco Garcia, Executive Director of the Environmental Health Coalition. “Portside communities understand the importance of zero-emission electric trucks and cargo handling equipment, and this grant empowers them to advocate for their health and their future. .”
