Diesel emissions from trucks serving the Port of Oakland has dropped by 98% between 2005 and 2015, while ship emissions also fell 75%.
These findings came from an emissions inventory released by the port, which indicates it the Port of Oakland is advancing its 2008 commitment to reduce seaport-related diesel health risk by 85% by the year 2020.
“This is a significant achievement. The reduction in seaport diesel emissions is important because it’s closely related to reducing health risk for our neighbouring communities,” said Richard Sinkoff, director of environmental programmes and planning at the port.
According to the study, truck Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) emissions have decreased from 16 tonnes in 2005 to 0.4 tonnes in 2015.
The Port of Oakland credited a number of factors to its emissions improvements including; a $38m grant programme to upgrade and replace the oldest trucks operating at the port and a ban on trucks that aren’t compliant with state-wide emissions requirements.
Alongside this, shipping lines switched to cleaner burning, low sulphur fuel and there was a $60m project to construct a power grid that ships can plug into at berth rather than relying on auxiliary diesel engines.
“The work and investments by the Port and our partners have nearly eliminated Port truck emissions and greatly reduced other emissions,” said Chris Lytle, Port of Oakland’s executive director.
He added: “But we’re not done – we’ll keep working to minimize the potential impact that trade has on our community.”
The Port said its 2009 Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan has been the biggest factor in curbing diesel emissions.
source: GreenPort |