SAN PEDRO — In early October the Port of Los Angeles reported that air pollution from operations at the port is at its lowest level since 2005 when the port began tracking emissions from all sources moving cargo through its gateway.
The port’s 2023 Inventory of Air Emissions shows increased turnover of trucks and locomotives to newer, cleaner models; wider use of renewable diesel to power terminal equipment, locomotives and harbor craft; and ongoing efficiency measures resulting in more fluid cargo operations are driving the latest clean air gains at the nation’s busiest container port.
“To put this data in perspective, we are down to the last 9% of diesel particulate matter and the last 2% of sulfur oxides from anything with an engine that moves cargo through our gateway,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “While what remains of these and other pollutants are the toughest to eliminate, we continue to partner with all our stakeholders to drive emissions down to zero.”
The 2023 findings show diesel particulate matter (DPM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) from ships, trains, trucks, harbor craft and off-road terminal equipment are down 91%, 74% and 98% respectively since 2005. Since last year’s inventory, DPM, NOx and SOx fell 24%, 29% and 40%.
In 2023, container volume was down 13% from 2022. To ensure the port’s clean air gains are not tied to cargo fluctuations, the port also calculates the reduction in tons of emissions by twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the standard unit of measure for international shipping containers. Based on tons of emissions per 10,000 TEUs, the 2023 results not only substantiate the port’s clean air gains but show slightly better results. Emissions of DPM, NOx and SOx down 92%, 77% and 99% respectively since 2005.
The new report also shows 2023 was the port’s best year for reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs), which are down 24%. On a per TEU basis, emissions of GHGs were down 34%, again the largest reduction to date.
The annual inventory tracks the progress of port strategies for reducing air pollution from all equipment that transports cargo through the Port. DPM is a toxic contaminant and known carcinogen, and NOx and SOx are key components of smog. GHGs primarily consist of carbon dioxide, which is responsible for global warming.
Regional, state and federal air regulatory agencies vet the findings every year before the inventory’s release. Their review validates port progress and helps shape how the port moves forward to achieve its zero-emissions goals.
The port pursues a multitude of strategies aimed at eliminating all remaining air pollution. Its goals include reducing GHG emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, in accordance with state targets.
To get there, the port’s local measures include transitioning all cargo handling equipment to zero emissions by 2030 and all drayage trucks calling at marine terminals to zero emissions by 2035. Through its Clean Truck Program, the port continues to offer incentives to put more zero-emissions trucks in service and invest in charging and clean fueling infrastructure to speed up the turnover.
The port also leads or participates in large-scale demonstrations with terminal operators, trucking companies and shipping lines to develop and deploy more zero-emissions solutions. The port works closely with them, vehicle manufacturers and other parties to test battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles and equipment in demanding, real-world conditions.
Because GHG emissions are a global challenge, the port also collaborates with its trans-Pacific partners on international initiatives to decarbonize vessels and establish green shipping corridors to reduce emissions. Among the Port’s partners are ocean carriers, government agencies and some of the world’s busiest ports in Asia, including the ports of Shanghai and Singapore, along with the Port of Long Beach.
The port has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to advance clean, efficient and sustainable practices and solutions in all facets of its operations and across the supply chain. The port also routinely partners with the public agencies and the private sector to leverage all available resources needed to accelerate progress. Examples include the port’s own technology advancement program as well as its participation in the Alliance for Renewable Clean Energy Systems (ARCHES), a statewide consortium awarded $1.2 billion in federal funding to develop a robust hydrogen market in California.
The port’s original goals and strategies were established in the 2006 San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). The document’s 2010 and 2017 updates incorporated additional measures and targets for eliminating harmful air emissions from all port-related sources. The 2010 update included 2023 goals for reducing emissions of DPM by 77%, NOx by 59% and SOx by 93%, which the Port has consistently met and exceeded in recent years. The target year aligns with federal clean air goals for the region.
For the first time, the annual inventory also shows clean air progress made since the most recent CAAP update. From 2017 to 2023, Port measures have cut DPM, NOx, SOx and GHG emissions 18%, 34%, 28% and 14% respectively.
