Based on that calculation, the clean air gains the port achieved in 2012 are even greater. On a ton per 10,000 TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) basis, the port slashed DPM emissions 81 percent, NOx emissions 59 percent, and SOx emissions 89 percent.
The 2012 results are based on a combination of new and ongoing clean air initiatives. Last year marks both the first full year of California’s expanded low sulfur fuel boundaries and first full year of the port’s Clean Truck Program, which bans pre-2007 engines from service to the Port and was phased in over more than three years.
Last August, low-sulfur fuel requirements extended to waters within 200 miles of North America, under environmental rules adopted by the International Maritime Organization.
Also, new state rules and incentives for cleaner cargo handling equipment and commercial harbor craft took effect in 2012. Programs pioneered by the San Pedro Bay ports led to the statewide regulations.
The Port of Long Beach has cut DPM emissions by 81 percent and sulfur oxides 88 percent since 2005, according to its 2012 Emissions Inventory report released last week.
All 13 international cargo terminals at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach will power docked ships with electricity by the end of 2013, cutting air pollution from the ships at berth by 95 percent, the Port of Long Beach announced earlier this year.
