The Port of Oakland has announced that it uses new green equipment to achieve its zero-emission targets.
Two all-electric top picks are operating at the Californian port, as part of a demonstration project to create a zero-emissions seaport. The port of Oakland has joined a select group of seaports to operate the green technology equipment.
Top picks are heavy-duty vehicles with off-road capabilities and have an overhead boom used for loading containers weighing up to 100,000 pounds onto trucks and trains and stacking the containers in terminal storage yards.
“We’re excited to demonstrate this zero-emissions, cargo handling equipment,” commented Danny Wan, executive director of the Port of Oakland.
He added, “Our goal is to reduce emissions from our maritime operations to create a healthier environment for everyone.”
This demonstration project is part of the Zero- And Near-Zero-Emission Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) program, which is funded by the California Climate Investments (CCI) program.
CCI puts ‘cap and trade’ revenues to work by investing in projects whose purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, improve public health and the environment, and invest in disadvantaged communities.
The Port of Oakland partnered with the ports of Long Beach and Stockton, marine terminal operators, vessel operators and technology providers in order to bring the top picks to Oakland.
The ZANZEFF grant paid for the equipment. The Port of Oakland invested US$2 million as a match to build the electrical substation that is powering the top pick chargers. Shippers Transport Express, a Port of Oakland tenant, installed the charging stations.
“We appreciate CCI for making this investment in electric, zero-emissions equipment at our seaport,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director, Bryan Brandes, who added, “Testing this state-of-the-art, all-electric equipment, is the perfect accompaniment to the US$36.6 million grant we received from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) in October 2022. The grant funding will allow us to build more extensive and reliable electric infrastructure.”
The deployment of the zero-emissions top picks builds upon the Port of Oakland’s and its maritime industry partners’, large-scale emissions reduction initiative launched in 2009.
