File photo courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles.

The Port of Los Angeles has made progress in cutting emissions from ships, trains, trucks, harbor craft and cargo handling equipment since 2005, according to its 2018 Inventory of Air Emissions Report presented to the Harbor Commission today.

“Even as cargo has increased 26% since the baseline year of 2005, we’ve sustained the remarkable clean air gains we’ve made since then,” port Executive Director Gene Seroka said.

“Our goal remains getting to zero emissions, which is why we’re focused on working with our partners on operational efficiencies and next-generation near-zero and especially zero emissions solutions, so our port, community and environment can thrive together.”

The report also showed that the port is meeting and exceeding all 2023 targets for reducing primary pollutants while cargo volumes continue to rise.

One of the major policies that contributed to reduced emissions is requiring terminal operators to purchase zero-emissions equipment or the cleanest products available, with a goal of transitioning all cargo handling equipment to zero emissions by 2030, the report said.

The report states that the port is engaged in 16 projects with multiple partners to demonstrate near-zero and zero emissions engines, emissions control technology and alternative fueling and charging stations. The projects include testing hybrid and fully battery-electric, natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks, battery-electric forklifts, yard tractors, top handlers and rubber-tired gantry cranes. Emissions control equipment on large ships and harbor craft also will be examined.