The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are soliciting proposals for new technology to reduce at-berth emissions from non-container vessels, such as tankers, vehicle carriers, bulk and general cargo ships.

Shore power has already greatly curtailed emission air pollution from container ships , thanks to the nearly $400 million invested by the two ports in in dockside power hookups and other infrastructure to facilitate shore power. 

The request for proposals under the ports’ Technology Advancement Program offers $1 million ($500,000 from each port) to fund demonstrations of one or more cost-effective technologies that can eliminate at-berth emissions from ships that don’t fall under the state’s shore power mandate. Proposers must provide at least a 50 percent match to the project cost. Proposals are due by February 27, 2018. Download the RFP here.

Large ships are the leading source of port-related emissions. Cutting pollution from vessels is a key strategy in the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), adopted in 2006. The CAAP, a landmark effort aimed at reducing health risks, was recently updated. The update calls for up to a 100 percent reduction in at-berth emissions from container and non-container vessels by 2030.

Compared to 2005 levels, the CAAP has helped reduce diesel particulate matter up to 88 percent, sulfur oxides by 97 percent, nitrogen oxides by 56 percent and greenhouse gases 22 percent. Find out more at www.cleanairactionplan.org.