Freight News, Sea

Port of Oakland says yard cranes going hybrid to help clean air

[ March 29, 2019   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Containerized cargo handling at the Port of Oakland is about to get a whole lot cleaner. The Port said today that its largest marine terminal is converting 13 diesel-powered yard cranes to hybrid power. The result is expected to be an annual 45-ton reduction in diesel-related air pollutants.

The Port said the first hybrid crane began service March 5 at Oakland International Container Terminal. It added that the rest of the terminal’s retrofitted fleet will come online by next year. Each crane, shaped like an inverted U on wheels, is being equipped with batteries and new, smaller diesel backup engines.

“This is the Prius of cargo-handling equipment,” explained Port of Oakland Environmental Planner Catherine Mukai. “We’re gratified that our partners at the terminal are taking this step to help clear the air.”

Tags: Port of Oakland