APL first line to use clean shore power at Oakland

When the gigantic APL Singapore glided up to its Global Gateway berth on Friday it became the first container ship docked at the Port of Oakland to cut its diesel-powered engines in favour of clean electrical shore power, reported Contra Costa Times.


Shore power, also called "cold ironing," allows a ship to avoid using its 2,000-horsepower auxiliary diesel engines while in port and instead use a cable to connect to an electrical power system installed in the wharf.


Switching to electricity for a 24-hour port stay could cut approximately 1,200 pounds of dangerous emissions that contribute to health problems for dockworkers and residents in nearby communities.


By 2014, half of each carrier's fleet must be able to use the electrical shore power grid. Nearly 2,000 ships annually pass through the Port of Oakland, the fifth-busiest container port in the country.


The maritime industry is investing approximately US$1 billion to retrofit their vessels to comply with the law, according to port officials.


APL spent $11 million to outfit five of its vessels –half of its Oakland fleet – to accept plug-in electric power and install compatible electrical systems to two berths at APL's Global Gateway Central marine terminal, three years ahead of schedule. The company's cost is partially funded by a $4.8 million grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.


Combined with investments made by APL and Ports America, the costs to install the electrical grid at three marine terminals at the Port of Oakland exceeds $100 million. The port has raised about $13 million, which includes $5 million from the air district. Nate Miley, president of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and a member of the air district board, announced that the air district is giving $25 million to help fund 11 additional shore power projects at the Port of Oakland.


Eugene Seroka, APL Americas president, called it a clean-air milestone.


"It's the beginning of a new era on the Oakland waterfront," he said.
(Source:http://www.cargonewsasia.com)