In a significant move to enhance air quality and diminish greenhouse gas emissions in and around San Diego Bay, the Port of San Diego, California, has approved the allocation of US$676,273 for an equipment purchase and consulting service agreement contract with Watts Marine LLC (formerly Cochran Marine).
This investment aims to increase shore power connectivity at the B Street Terminal, providing vessels with starboard connections (shore-side electricity supply) at the south berth, thereby expanding the versatility of the existing system of 2 points/plugs.
This recent commitment to shore power aligns with several key objectives:
- Addresses a crucial goal outlined in the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) by substantially reducing pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) and diesel particulate matter (DPM), along with lowering greenhouse gas emissions (Oceangoing Vessel Objective 2A).
- Supports the Port’s overarching objective of maintaining a healthy and sustainable bay.
- Demonstrates the Port’s dedication to meeting the California Air Resource Board’s At-Berth Regulation.
The third shore power connection's design phase is scheduled to commence in winter 2023, with completion anticipated in 2024. Notably, the Port took a pioneering step in environmental stewardship by introducing its first shore power connection at cruise terminals in 2010, exceeding state regulations to reduce diesel particulate emissions from cruise calls by ~4 years.
A second shore power plug, added in 2022, facilitates simultaneous shore power usage for two ships, eliminating the need for running diesel engines while at berth. The Port's cumulative investment in incorporating shore power across various cruise and cargo terminal areas now amounts to ~US$24.7 million in infrastructure costs.