By Karen Robes Meeks
The largest marine terminal at the Port of Oakland is transforming 13 diesel-powered yard cranes to hybrid power, a move that is anticipated to lower diesel-related air pollutants by 45 tons annually.
Oakland International Container Terminal, which introduced its first hybrid crane earlier this month, expects the retrofitted fleet will come online by 2020.
Each retrofitted crane will feature batteries and new, smaller diesel backup engines.
“This is the Prius of cargo-handling equipment,” said Port of Oakland Environmental Planner Catherine Mukai. “We’re gratified that our partners at the terminal are taking this step to help clear the air.”
Last summer, terminal operator SSA Terminals secured a $5 million grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for the hybrid project and is spending an additional $1 million to reconfigure its cranes.
“We depend heavily on this equipment to keep cargo flowing smoothly,” said Jim Rice, General Manager at Oakland International Container Terminal. “We’re pleased to find a solution that makes us more efficient and at the same time benefits the environment.”
The largest marine terminal at the Port of Oakland is transforming 13 diesel-powered yard cranes to hybrid power, a move that is anticipated to lower diesel-related air pollutants by 45 tons annually.
Oakland International Container Terminal, which introduced its first hybrid crane earlier this month, expects the retrofitted fleet will come online by 2020.
Each retrofitted crane will feature batteries and new, smaller diesel backup engines.
“This is the Prius of cargo-handling equipment,” said Port of Oakland Environmental Planner Catherine Mukai. “We’re gratified that our partners at the terminal are taking this step to help clear the air.”
Last summer, terminal operator SSA Terminals secured a $5 million grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for the hybrid project and is spending an additional $1 million to reconfigure its cranes.
“We depend heavily on this equipment to keep cargo flowing smoothly,” said Jim Rice, General Manager at Oakland International Container Terminal. “We’re pleased to find a solution that makes us more efficient and at the same time benefits the environment.”
