The shipping container facility operated by SSA Terminals and Matson Navigation at the Port of Long Beach’s Pier C has become the fourth terminal at the port to be equipped with shore power.
The infrastructure project, which cost an estimated $6.4 million, allows ships at berth to shut down their diesel engines and plug into electricity in order to reduce air pollution.
During a Nov. 15 dedication ceremony at the terminal, state and local leaders, including Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, state Sen. Alan Lowenthal and his former wife, Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal joined port staff in marking the event.
“Together with our industry partners, we have shown the world that it is possible to move more cargo and reduce emissions at the same time,” harbor commission President Susan Wise said during the dedication ceremony.
Matson and the port committed to the project in 2006 as part of a new lease outlining major environmental improvements at Pier C. In the time since, the California Air Resources Board has made shore power a state requirement, and under current state regulations, half of all containership visits must use shore power by 2014.
