Diesel emissions slashed

The Port of Oakland has achieved an 86% reduction in diesel emissions in its latest emissions inventory far outreaching its air quality goals over 2005 levels.

Oakland’s 2020 Seaport Air Emissions Inventory also revealed that Nitrous Oxide (NOx) emissions have been cut by 40% and sulphur oxides slashed by 95%. All these reductions were beyond the original goals.

“The port, its partners and the community worked together for more than a decade to improve air quality and support public health through major investments, innovation and commitment,” said Richard Sinkoff, port director of environmental programs and planning.

Air quality goals 

The Maritime Air Quality Improvement Program (MAQIP) is the port’s comprehensive master plan to reduce harmful emissions from maritime operations at the Oakland Seaport.

It sets 2005 activity as the baseline for comparison and 2020 the final year for reaching the goals.

Oakland’s 2020 Seaport Air Emissions Inventory included six categories of mobile sources: Ocean-going vessels, harbour craft such as tugboats, cargo-handling equipment, on-road trucks, locomotives and other off-road equipment, such as construction equipment.

Tracy Fidell, port environmental planner/scientist at Oakland pointed out that these reductions for harmful emissions were achieved despite an increase in cargo volume which shows that the port is moving cargo more efficiently.

She said that BAAQMD (Bay Area Air Quality Management District) WOEIP (West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project), CARB (California Air Resources Board), trucking companies, marine terminal, rail, and tugboat operators, ocean carriers and the local community all played their part in working diligently to fulfill the commitments outlined in MAQIP.