Port of Long Beach invests $58.2 million to expand vehicle and equipment electrification

The Port of Long Beach has long been an early adopter of EVs and electric cargo-handling equipment. Now the port has announced an additional investment of $58.2 million to purchase and deploy more electrified equipment.

The new investment will enable port tenants and operators to acquire: 61 human-operated electric cargo-handling machines along with 21 charging stations; six zero-emission harbor craft and five cleaner harbor vessels to replace older diesel-powered boats; and one zero-emission locomotive.

As EVinfo.net’s Bill Pierce notes, America’s ports represent a critical sector of our economy, but unfortunately, they are also among the most heavily polluted areas in the country. The transition to zero-emission transportation offers an opportunity to improve both public health and freight operations while reducing maintenance and fuel costs.

“Expanding our clean technology portfolio is critical to the future of goods movement and to the health of the communities around us,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We are not waiting for the future to arrive, we are leading the way by deploying the latest zero-emission equipment to make a difference today.”

Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna said the Port continues to invest in zero-emission infrastructure while offering incentives that encourage early adoption of clean technologies. “This latest round of funding builds on the Port’s SWIFT program, which is accelerating the transition to zero-emission operations while improving the reliability and efficiency of cargo movement.”

The Port of Long Beach’s long-term goal is to eliminate all emissions from cargo operations while maintaining one of the nation’s busiest freight gateways.

Source: EVinfo.net