PMSA member companies are already proactively working to reduce emissions by exploring the use of a wide variety of cleaner fuels, engines, and retrofit technologies that exceed any existing requirements.  These strategies are constantly evolving as new fuels and technologies become available and include clean burning biofuels; employing new “clean diesel” engine and retrofit technologies; experimenting with new technologies, such as propane and natural gas fueled terminal equipment; and taking other innovative steps to improve west coast air quality.

  • Many PMSA members are using low or ultra-low sulfur diesel.  Other members are exploring the use of ethanol blended diesel, emulsified diesel, biodiesel, propane and LNG-powered terminal equipment.  Electric cranes and retrofitting engines are other ways many PMSA members are lowering emissions. 
  • Using diesel oxidation catalysts and emulsified diesel in terminal yard equipment at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has led to major reductions in NOx and diesel particulates. 
  • The Port of Seattle and its tenants have teamed up for a voluntary initiative to reduce cargo handling equipment diesel emissions by retrofitting vehicles and equipment, installing diesel oxidation catalysts, and encouraging the use of low-sulfur diesel and biodiesel. Terminals in California have already taken these steps to reduce emissions.
  • All on-terminal operations at the Port of Tacoma now run on ultra-low sulfur diesel, a biodiesel-low sulfur diesel blend or clean burning propone.  The port is also experimenting with gasoline-electric hybrid and fully electric vehicles.  In 2005, the port invested in diesel oxidation catalysts to further lower equipment emissions, with an Environmental Protection Agency grant.
  • All PMSA members are in compliance with new California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations requiring the use of low-sulfur diesel fuel in vessels in California waters.  Voluntary participation in the Southern California vessel speed reduction program began in May 2001.  This program has been responsible for reducing NOx emissions at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles by more than 440 tons per year
  • Many PMSA members calling at the Port of Seattle have committed to using lower sulfur fuel in their engines while at dock.  In 2006, 50 percent of all ships entering and leaving the Port of Tacoma have committed to using low-emission fuel in their auxiliary engines, and 25 percent have committed to using low-sulfur fuel while in the Puget Sound airshed. 
  • PMSA members in California are working with CARB to accelerate the turnover of cargo handling equipment at marine terminals to newer, cleaner engine technologies; offering pollution reductions of over 90 percent.
  • PMSA recently conducted emissions testing in conjunction with CARB, terminal operators and the University of California at Riverside to provide more data on the comparative benefits of LNG and clean diesel in powering yard tractors.
  • Our industry has also partnered with CARB, US EPA, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and other state and local regulators to test innovative fuel emulsification technology that could reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides from vessels by as much as 20 percent.
  • PMSA members are using Selective Catalytic Reduction, technology proven to treat exhaust from ships, reducing 65 tons of nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide per ship per year.

    Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory

    The Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory (EI) establishes a detailed baseline of emissions from maritime-related diesel equipment operating within the greater Puget Sound region. It was conducted voluntarily and in advance of any regulatory directive to provide a strong technical foundation to support future policy decisions. The inventory is not a policy document and does not include policy recommendations.

    PMSA participated in this effort as a funding partner and steering committee member.  The EI is a tool to adjust ongoing mitigation efforts for an area still in attainment with federal standards. PMSA members are leading the way through a number of pilot projects and voluntary efforts to reduce emissions.

    The overview and executive summary of the EI are available at: http://www.maritimeairforum.org/emissions.shtml