The Pier C container shipping terminal operated by Matson Navigation Co. and SSA Terminals Inc. was announced as the fourth Port of Long Beach facility to be equipped with shore power — it is the second of six container terminals expected to use the technology.
Shore power allows ships to plug into electricity while docked. That electricity can run a ship’s onboard systems like lights, pumps, ventilation and communications systems. Previously, these functions were powered by a ship’s diesel-powered auxiliary engines, which generate air pollution.
“When they’re on … electricity, it takes enough pollution out of the air to equal 33,000 cars in Southern California, so it’s a very significant reduction,” Mayor Bob Foster said.