Diesel exhaust emissions from container ships at the Port of Oakland were reduced to record lows in July as 78 percent of vessels cut their engines and plugged into land-based electrical power while docked, Port of Oakland officials said on Aug. 31.
According to port data, 105 of 135 vessels coming into the port in July connected to shore-side electricity at berth, the highest plug-in rate ever recorded in Oakland, according to port officials.
“We’ve been working with shipping lines for a long time to accelerate the rate of shore power adoption,” John Driscoll, Port of Oakland maritime director, said. “On behalf of all of us who breathe the air in Oakland, it’s gratifying to see this level of cooperation.”
Oakland has been working to boost plug-in use since 2012. State regulators require shipping lines frequently calling California ports to plug in at least 70 percent of their vessels.
In 2020, the requirement will go up to 80 percent. The Port of Oakland has set a goal of 85 percent plug-ins by 2020.
