Port of San Diego Adopts Ambitious Maritime Clean Air Strategy

After obtaining public feedback on a draft Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners approved a policy document in October that allows the port to pursue the MCAS’s development and implementation.

As the most ambitious maritime clean air strategy of its kind in California, the MCAS’s two main considerations are to improve the health of communities through cleaner air and to support modern, efficient maritime businesses and jobs.

Towards 2030 goals, the MCAS has identified concrete near-term actions between 2021 and 2026 to ensure that the ultimate emission reduction targets met. A total of 34 potential partnerships, studies, projects and initiatives have been identified. Some of the key MCAS objectives that go beyond state requirements are to:

• Have 40% of the port’s annual cargo truck trips performed by zero-emission (ZE) vehicles by June 30, 2026, and 100% by 2030
• Switch 100 % of cargo-handling equipment to ZE models by 2030
• Implement the first all-electric tugboat in the United States by June 30, 2026, to replace one that consumes more than 30,000 gallons (113,562 litres) of diesel annually
• Contribute Port Maritime Industrial Impact Fund dollars towards the San Diego Air Pollution Control District’s purchase and installation of portable air filtration devices at participating Portside Community residences
• Double shorepower for cruise ships by 2023
• Purchase electric cranes to replace a diesel mobile harbour crane.

While the plan focuses on improving air quality, it will also lead to job creation, noise reduction, urban greening, ecosystem improvements, knowledge and capacity building, education and training, and improved access to the San Diego Bay.