Port of Vancouver USA clinches major federal funding to ‘advance’ zero-emissions technology and infrastructure

The Port of Vancouver USA has secured ‘substantial’ federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for technologies as well as related infrastructure that could ‘improve’ the port’s operational capabilities while cutting down on harmful emissions.

As disclosed, the port has been awarded a $22.5 million grant from EPA through the agency’s Clean Ports Program aimed at supporting zero-emission (ZE) technologies and infrastructure.

In addition to the grant, the Port of Vancouver USA has confirmed that it will contribute another $2.5 million so that it can invest the total amount of money on purchasing and deploying those technologies that will drive the port’s decarbonization efforts further.

According to the port, more specifically, the funding will go toward:

• Two zero-emission electric Liebherr mobile harbor cranes, on top of the two already in use, which are expected to increase the port’s lift capacity and expand its cargo handling capabilities;
• Crane charging infrastructure capable of powering the ZE cranes via electric cable and battery;
• Shore power at Terminal 1, which, once completed, could allow cruise vessels to turn off diesel-powered generators and plug in while docked in Vancouver.

“We’re grateful to the U.S. EPA and Senators Murray and Cantwell for creating and funding the Clean Ports Program that’s empowering ports like ours to accelerate a transformation to clean energy equipment and infrastructure,” Julianna Marler, CEO of the Port of Vancouver USA, shared.

In 2021, the port began implementing its Climate Action Plan in order to further cut down on GHG emissions while ‘improving’ air quality and health benefits in the community. As part of the plan, among other objectives, the Port of Vancouver USA committed to becoming climate neutral by 2050, intending to reduce harmful pollutant emissions by up to 50% by 2030, on the grounds of the 2005 baseline.

As understood, the plan includes actions that could be taken to decrease Scope 3 emissions, i.e. those that are not a direct result of the port’s own operations but emissions it may influence or guide.

Moreover, this climate strategy outlines specific actions such as upgrading diesel- and gasoline-powered equipment, installing charging infrastructure and pursuing the utilization of shore power for vessels visiting the port.

To remind, in February of this year, the EPA announced two distinct funding opportunities for U.S. ports: the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition, which provides direct funding for ZE equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source pollution, and the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition.

The $3 billion grant was awarded to 55 applicants across 27 U.S. states and territories, with $2.8 billion going toward ZE technology and infrastructure, and $150 million allocated for air quality initiatives.

Among the winners of the grant are the Port of San Diego and the Port of Los Angeles, which received $59 million and $412 million, respectively.

The Port of San Diego, as explained, plans to invest the funding into the installation of shore power systems for commercial harbor craft, the introduction of a ZE truck stop as well as buying and deploying battery-electric zero-emissions equipment, among other ‘key objectives’.

The Port of Los Angeles has revealed that the grant will allow it to purchase and put into use 425 pieces of battery-electric, human-operated ZE cargo handling equipment, 250 ZE drayage trucks, 300 new charging ports, as well as an auto terminal vessel shore power AMP connection.