More Efficient Equipment Could Boost Port Savings, Study Says
Navigant Research, based in Boulder, Colorado, estimated that annual worldwide savings from use of low-emissions equipment will rise to $334.7 million in 2024 from $32 million today.
Southern California has been a focus for “clean trucks” using diesel as well as deployment of natural-gas units through port-sponsored programs started in 2006 to reduce emissions. In addition, Los Angeles and Long Beach port terminals have installed some shore power facilities that replace crude-based bunker fuel burned by ships while the vessels are in port.
“The energy-efficient port operations market is developing quickly, particularly in the area of shore power,” said research analyst Ryan Citron, author of the report. “The use of natural-gas drayage trucks has not taken off as quickly in regions outside of North America, mostly because of a lack of infrastructure and high purchase prices.”
The report noted that in addition to ships and drayage trucks, emissions were generated by yard trucks, forklifts, cranes and rail-switching locomotives.
“The growing trends of using electric rubber tire gantry cranes [ERTGs] and electric forklifts to replace their diesel-powered counterparts, however, are expected to steadily expand throughout global port operations,” Citron said.
Incentives and new technologies, including those powered by natural gas and electricity, are expected to drive improvements in energy efficiency during the next decade. The largest benefit should come from shore power because of tighter regulatory requirements in California and the European Union as well as the continued growth in world trade, Navigant said.
