Long Beach emissions fall even as cargo rises

(Posted on 03/09/18)

The Port of Long Beach is continuing to outperform 2023 clean air goals for diesel particles and sulphur oxides, even while cargo volumes have jumped to record levels, according to a comprehensive study of Port-related air pollution emissions.

The 2017 annual “emissions inventory” found the Port’s aggressive actions to curb pollution have cut diesel particulates by 88 percent, sulphur oxides by 97 percent and nitrogen oxides by 56 percent since 2005, the baseline year which emissions are measured against. The Port maintained lower levels of emissions even though container traffic rose 11 percent in 2017. The Clean Air Action Plan set 2023 reduction targets for diesel particulates at 77 percent, sulphur oxides at 93 percent and nitrogen oxides at 59 percent.

“The Port has already made dramatic reductions in emissions, but we will not be finished or satisfied until we achieve our community health, air quality, and long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals,” said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Tracy Egoscue. “We know we’ve picked the so-called low-hanging fruit. That’s why the ambitious Clean Air Action Plan update passed last year leverages new technologies and fosters the development of new equipment to reach a zero-emissions goal in the terminals by 2030 and on the roads by 2035.”

“What’s especially impressive about these results is our container traffic has grown by more than 12 percent since 2005,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “The Port’s efficiency in moving containers measured by tons of emissions per twenty-foot equivalent unit has improved by 23 percent since 2005. We are moving more cargo and creating more jobs with lessened environmental impacts.”

Greenhouse gases, which were not targeted for reduction in the original Clean Air Action Plan, were nevertheless curtailed by 18 percent in 2017 compared to 2005. However, the reduction is less than the 22 percent the previous year. Port officials attributed the change to increased cargo volumes and ship visits; however, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per twenty-foot equivalent unit moved is down, as demonstrated by efficiency measurements in the emissions inventory.

The Port of Long Beach’s efforts to improve air quality have included the Clean Trucks Program, the adoption of shore power for container ships and the Port’s Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction Program. Additionally, the Port’s future Pier B On-Dock Rail Facility will be the centerpiece of a program to increase the use of on-dock rail for greener operations. Learn more about the Port’s environmental programs here.

The annual emissions inventory is conducted by an independent consultant. It is reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Latest News

VCK joins forces with Aug. Bolten and opts for international growth

The consortium consisting of the Spanish company Ership, the German shipping line Aug. Bolten and the... Read more

ABP first port to purchase The Scarlett Box, supporting women in maritime

Associated British Ports (ABP) has become the first port operator to purchase The Scarlett Box, a pioneering... Read more

Trois-Rivières awards the title of First Vessel of the Year 2026 to VECTIS PRIDE

The Port of Trois-Rivières has awarded the title of the first vessel of the year to VECTIS PRIDE... Read more

New Terneuzen Lock trial voyage with wider ship to ArcelorMittal

The New Lock in Terneuzen has been operational since 1 August 2025 and a new phase has now begun: On... Read more

Two modern fertiliser warehouses opened in Gdansk Free Trade Zone

Two modern warehouses belonging to Solid Port, one of the key operators in the Inner Port, have been... Read more

Rail freight is key competitive advantage for German seaports

With this year’s Rail Conference “Rail Freight Transport and Seaports”, a joint initiative... Read more

ABL Group and ICG announce the successful acquisition of SCF Containers

Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL Group) and ICG have jointly announced the successful completion of ABL&rsquo... Read more

AD Ports and AVESTO establish New Logistics JV in Tajikistan

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more

Patrick Krawutschke appointed new Managing Director at HPC

The Executive Board of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has appointed Patrick Krawutschke as Managing... Read more

Karachi Gateway agreement to develop clean bulk handling and storage facility

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more