The Port of Oakland, together with the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), has joined forces with a delegation of Japanese Ministry officials to propel green initiatives that aim to achieve zero emissions from seaport operations. The meeting, which took place last week, followed a successful clean energy trade mission to Japan in March, where California policymakers, decision-makers, and business executives exchanged ideas on tackling climate change.
During the discussions, the Port of Oakland officials highlighted their electrification projects, including the Oakland Seaport's turning basins widening project and the Seaport Gateway project, which increase efficiency and reduce congestion while cutting emissions. The officials also discussed grant funding applications for green initiatives that support reducing diesel emissions and greenhouse gases from maritime operations.
On the other hand, Japan's Director General of Ports and Harbor Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shared insights into Japan's efforts to create Carbon Neutral Ports, with the goal of achieving carbon-neutral port operations by 2050.
The partnership between the Port of Oakland, CalSTA, and Japan aims to deepen cooperation in the industry and work together towards the shared goal of decarbonizing port operations. The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners unanimously adopted the Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan four years ago, and the new collaborative effort seeks to achieve the plan's zero-emissions goal.
President of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, Barbara Leslie, expressed excitement about the partnership and the progress that the Port of Oakland has made in reducing emissions from port maritime operations, including an 86% reduction in diesel particulate matter. The port's continued commitment to decarbonization is evident in the approval of a $2 million contract for a new clean energy project at the Oakland Seaport in August 2022. The project includes electrical infrastructure such as solar generation, battery storage systems, fuel cell, and replacement of a substation and connecting circuitry.
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