Zero-emission initiatives are prioritized in the new Port of Oakland budget

The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has prioritized zero-emission projects by allocating $245.2 million over the next five years to fund electric infrastructure and otherwise support zero-emission operations. The amount represents a significant portion of the $558-million budget approved for the 2024 fiscal year that began July 1st.

A total $163.7 million has been allocated in the capital budget for both the Oakland Seaport and Oakland International Airport with the funding designated to advance green technology innovations and climate change resilience projects.

“The critical investments approved by our port commissioners highlight the work we are all doing to ensure we are building a sustainable future for the next generation,” says Danny Wan, the port’s executive director. “The port board’s budget approval sets us on an infrastructure path that will have lasting economic and environmental benefits for Oakland and the region.”

The funded zero-emission initiatives include furthering the actions outlined in the Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan. They include expanding electric charging facilities, launching a green power microgrid project, and continuing the partnership with Matson Terminal to convert all cargo handling equipment from diesel operations to zero-emission technologies.

Climate change resilience efforts include the long-time program to reduce pollutants from stormwater discharge, projects addressing sea level rise, and initiatives supporting the port’s goal of zero-emission operations.

In May 2023, the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has approved major green upgrades to the cargo handling equipment in the lease with TraPac, a key marine terminal at the Oakland seaport.

“This landmark lease agreement will bring the port closer to its goal of achieving zero emissions operations,” Danny Wan, the port’s executive director, says. “We have multiple projects underway that are modernizing the seaport and building the Port of Oakland into a hub of zero emissions innovations.”

TraPac signed a 14-year lease with the port in 2016 in anticipation of an expansion project, which nearly doubles its port footprint. TraPac has now agreed to purchase four new hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) by the end of 2024, as well as modernize three RTGs so they can run on hybrid-diesel fuel instead of just diesel. The improvements are expected to reduce emissions by 95%.