Building On-Dock Rail

Constructing tracks along the docks at west coast ports allows the direct transfer of cargo between ships and trains.  This makes cargo transfers faster and easier, and using fewer trucks to transport cargo from the port to rail, reducing emissions and traffic congestion.  Many west coast ports are already using on-dock rail to improve port operations and are actively looking a methods to further increase the use of on-dock rail. 

Using Alternative Maritime Power combine with Building On-Dock

Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), also called ‘cold ironing’, allows vessels to “plug in” and use electrical power while at dock.  PMSA supports the use of AMP where it makes environmental and economic sense for the ports, terminal operators and vessels.  For example, where there is sufficient electrical power supply, and where vessels call often enough at AMP compatible ports to justify the costs of retrofitting vessels and ports – which can average of $1.5 million a berth and $500,000 to $1.5 million a vessel.  However, the California Air Resources Board estimates that the environmental benefits of the widespread use of AMP could be significant – potentially reducing emissions from each ship by up to 70 percent.

The Port of Los Angeles initiated an AMP program in 2004, committing to $5,000,000 to retrofit vessels calling at that terminal and investing over $7,000,000 in shore-side equipment at the China Shipping Terminal and becoming the first port to apply the technology to container ships. Use of AMP at the China Shipping terminal has already resulted in eliminating an estimated 80 tons of emissions.