Long Beach to convert RTGs from diesel to electric power

While all the Port’s ship-to-shore cranes are already electrically powered, the grant programme is for RTGs and the Port’s goal is to help the seven container terminals to convert all 85 RTGs from diesel to electrical power.

“If all RTG cranes in the Port of Long Beach are converted to electricity, it will reduce air pollution by about 350 tons a year,” said Richard Cameron, Director of Environmental Planning. “We are hoping that by providing these grants, terminals will be encouraged to make this investment. This is a cost-effective option that will have a significant air quality benefit.”

This action goes beyond the Port’s commitment in the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, which calls for conversion of RTG cranes to use cleaner diesel-powered engines by 2014. The Port’s grant programme aims to achieve even greater air quality improvements much quicker.