The Port of Long Beach has received a grant of US$300,000 from the US Environmental Protection Agency to fund the development and testing of hybrid-powered cargo-handling equipment at one of its container terminals. The two-year, US$1.2m Hybrid Yard Hostler Demonstration and Commercialization Project will research, build and test ultra-low emission yard hostlers, with the aim of improving air quality.

Long Beach to pioneer clean-air project

Long Beach will head the project, in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, and will use its Container Terminal Pier F facility for trials. Kalmar Industries will integrate the hybrid system, which combines a clean source of power (such as electric or hydraulic) with the cleanest type of diesel engine, into the vehicles. Calstart, a non-profit clean technologies company, will evaluate fuel economy and improvements to air quality.

The hybrid technology is expected to deliver a 93% reduction in smog-forming nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter, compared with typical yard hostlers. It is also expected to reduce or eliminate emissions during idling, which accounts for about 50% of the yard hostler duty cycle.

“If this promising technology proves viable, we will see air quality improvements beyond anything currently required by state or federal regulations. This technology could significantly curtail air pollution while helping to reduce fuel consumption,” said Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.