By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Hueneme launched the second phase of its grid-connected shore power system on May 2 with a ribbon cutting that celebrated another next step forward in reducing the port’s air emissions and environmental impact.
The power project allows three ships to simultaneously access shore power.
By connecting to the Ventura County, Calif. port’s grid-based shore power system, refrigerated cargo vessels calling at the port are able to shut down their auxiliary marine engines and operate on shore power in lieu of diesel fuel dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Phase I of the shore power system went online in April 2014, and has been successfully used by ships from such companies as Del Monte Fresh and Hamburg Süd, which carries products for Chiquita Fresh.
The Port of Hueneme CEO and Director Kristin Decas said shoreside power project “represents a giant leap forward for the port and the community.”
“Over the (30-year) lifetime of this project, annual emissions from refrigerated cargo vessels … will be significantly reduced,” she said.
The anticipated reductions include a 92 percent decrease in particulate matter, 98 percent decline in NOx, and a 55 percent lessening in greenhouse gasses.
“Environmental sustainability is a top priority for the port and this largest emissions reduction project in county history represents our commitment to being a good neighbor by being a strong environmental steward,” Port Commission President Dr. Manuel Lopez said in a statement.
“By utilizing grid electricity instead of the auxiliary engines on these vessels the port is not only reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides which form smog,” said Ventura County Air Quality Control District Executive Officer Mike Villegas, “but they are reducing emissions of diesel particulate matter and providing a public health benefit to their neighbors.”
