On September 22, 2016 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of a report finding that air pollution at the nation’s ports can be reduced significantly at all port types and sizes through a variety of strategies and cleaner technologies. Implementing these approaches, the report finds, would reduce greenhouse gas and other harmful emissions from diesel-powered ships, trucks and other port equipment.

“The National Port Strategy Assessment: Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gases at U.S. Ports” examines current and future emission trends from diesel engines in port areas, and explores the emissions reduction potential of strategies like replacing and repowering older, dirtier vehicles and engines and deploying zero emissions technologies.

U.S. ports are set to expand significantly as international trade continues to grow, and the size of ships coming to ports increases. This growth means more diesel engines at ports emitting carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change. These engines also emit fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants.

Accelerating retirement of older port vehicles and equipment and replacing them with the cleanest technology will reduce emissions and increase public health benefits. EPA developed this national scale assessment based on a representative sample of seaports, and the results could also inform decisions at other seaports, Great Lakes and inland river ports, and other freight and passenger facilities with similar profiles.

EPA says its regulations are already reducing port-related diesel emissions from trucks, locomotives, cargo handling equipment and ships. In addition, some port areas are already applying the emission reduction strategies assessed in the report.

What this means to you
EPA’s assessment says air pollution at ports can be reduced significantly at all port types and sizes through a variety of strategies and cleaner technologies. EPA’s plan targets retirement of older diesel engines and replacement with cleaner technologies.

MIRATECH can help
Contact MIRATECH for help reducing marine diesel engine emissions.