Coalition for Responsible Transportation Honors APL Launch of First "Cold-Ironing" Birth at Port of Oakland

Trading diesel engines for shore power cuts 50,000 pounds of emissions a year

OAKLAND, Calif., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT) today commended one of its members, APL, for becoming the first container shipping line to shut down, or, "cold-iron," a vessel's engines to eliminate exhaust emissions at the Port of Oakland.

"We have brought cold-ironing to the port," proclaimed APL Americas President Gene Seroka. "When others do as well, we can further reduce vessel emissions and re-enforce that global trade growth is sustainable."

APL Vice President of Environment Earl Agron, who sits on the CRT Board of Directors, commented, "This is an exciting effort that demonstrates the benefits of companies such as APL partnering with the California Air Resources Board and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to jump start efforts to help clean the air."

The 900-foot APL Singapore became the first vessel to ever switch off its auxiliary diesel engines and switch to landside electrical power while docked at the Port of Oakland after berthing at APL's Global Gateway Central terminal. It was the official launch of an APL program to cold-iron five vessels this year in the Transpacific Trade between Asia and the U.S.

"APL has earned a well deserved reputation as an environmental leader among the world's shipping lines," said CRT Executive Director James Jack.  "APL's cold-ironing initiatives further highlight the industry-leading efforts that CRT members are making to support environmental sustainability across the supply chain."

APL expects cold-ironing to eradicate 50,000 pounds of nitrogen oxides emissions from its ships annually in Oakland. Emissions of particulate matter should drop by 1,500 pounds a year.

APL has spent $11 million to retrofit the five container vessels and re-wire its terminal for cold-ironing. It was awarded $4.8 million in California Air Resources Board grants by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to complete the project.

"We commend APL's efforts to move early to upgrade their berths and their ships in order to plug them into the grid when they're berthed at their Port of Oakland terminal," said Air Resources Board chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Working with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, APL leveraged ARB's incentive funding to make this project a reality so the residents of port communities will breathe cleaner air."

Added Jack Broadbent, Executive Officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District: "Diesel emissions from port operations impact the West Oakland community. APL is sparing the air by reducing their emissions and setting an example that other carriers in the Port of Oakland can follow."

Since its inception in 2007, CRT has grown to include leading importers, exporters, trucking companies and ocean carriers who represent the largest and most progressive customers and service providers at our nation's ports.  Through the CRT Clean Truck Initiative, the private sector members of CRT are working in partnership with America's ports to establish industry-supported clean air programs that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. 

SOURCE Coalition for Responsible Transportation

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