By Karen Robes Meeks
SSA Terminals – the Port of Oakland’s largest marine terminal operator –announced it will spend more than $6 million to modernize 13 diesel-powered rubber tired gantry (RTG) cranes with diesel-electric hybrid engines; a move that could potentially curb more than 45 tons of exhaust emissions a year at the port.
Most of the funding will come from a $5.1 million Community Health Protection Grant Program/Carl Moyer Program grant that was approved earlier this month by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
“We’re delighted that SSA is taking a lead role in curbing emissions,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “And we’re grateful that their initiative has the support of the Air District.”
SSA must finalize a contract with the Air District before starting the work. According to the port, the retrofit project could take up to two years to complete.
