Global Sustainability Agenda #44: Reducing Truck Emissions in Port Ecosystems: Tackling Carbon Emissions at Port Facilities

Global Sustainability Reality

What Greenland’s nine-day mega-tsunami tells us about climate change (France24)

Methane emissions are rising faster than ever (Stanford News)

South Sudan May See the First Permanent Mass Displacement Due to Climate Change (Wired)

6 killed, thousands evacuated as storm batters Central and Eastern Europe (The Washington Post)

War, deforestation, flooding: in Afghanistan they are all linked (The Guardian)

Sport is getting hotter, harder and deadlier (The Economist)

Los Angeles hit by double whammy of wildfires and earthquake (The Guardian)

Global Sustainability Business Impact

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $150 Million in Grants to Help Reduce Truck Air Pollution Near America’s Ports (U.S. Department of Transportation)

South-South Cooperation in a post-2030 agenda world (Orfonline)

Green supply chain: Four suppliers outline how they keep up with sustainability requirements (World Economic Forum)

Understanding investment in AI for the shipping industry (Safety4Sea)

Maritime artificial intelligence market nearly triples in size over past year (Splash247)

A recent big tech plan for carbon removal is at the center of a major climate change emissions debate (CNBC)

Big Oil, clean energy chart future of geothermal energy (The Hill)

Brazil and Chile Lead Latin America’s Green Energy Revolution (Oil Price)

The path forward

The International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Scenario (NZE) calls for transport sector emissions to decrease by roughly 25% (over 3% annually) by 2030, despite the expected growth in transport demand. Achieving these reductions will require robust regulations, financial incentives, and significant investment in infrastructure to support low- and zero-emission vehicle operations.

According to the United Nations, transportation is responsible for approximately 25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions each year. In the United States, transportation contributed 29% of total GHG emissions in 2022.

Port Ecosystem

Port operations are responsible for 3% of global carbon emissions, with short-haul trucking being a major source of both carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions. Heavy-duty trucks, often referred to as drayage trucks, contribute approximately 40% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at ports, being part of Scope 3 emissions.

Drayage trucks operate within a 150-mile radius, moving goods between ports, distribution centers, warehouses, or within the same port. Despite their short distances, frequent stops, starts, and prolonged idling—often with diesel engines running—make them one of the least energy-efficient forms of transport. This inefficiency negatively affects not only truck drivers and supply chains but also nearby communities exposed to higher levels of pollution.

Ports are frequently situated near disadvantaged communities, meaning the burden of this pollution disproportionately impacts marginalized populations. These environmental and social challenges underscore the urgent need for decarbonizing both ports and truck fleets to achieve cleaner and more equitable operations.

Sources of Carbon Emissions in Port Operations

The percentage of carbon emissions from various sources in a port ecosystem can vary significantly depending on the port’s size, operational structure, and geographical location. However, a general breakdown based on studies and typical port emissions inventories is as follows:

1. Vessels and Ships: 50-60%

• Ocean-going vessels (OGVs) such as container ships, tankers, and cruise ships contribute the largest share of emissions in most ports. The emissions stem from burning heavy fuel oil or marine diesel, particularly during maneuvers and while at berth.
• At-sea operations: Emissions occur during vessel transit and account for a large portion of a ship’s carbon footprint.
• At-berth operations: Ships use auxiliary engines while docked, generating emissions unless shore power (cold ironing) is available and used.

2. Trucks and Heavy-Duty Vehicles: 15-25%

• Drayage trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles used for cargo transportation within the port account for a significant portion of emissions. This includes emissions from diesel engines used in port-to-inland transport and idling vehicles waiting at terminals.

3. Cargo Handling Equipment: 10-20%

• Container handling equipment like cranes, straddle carriers, forklifts, and terminal tractors also contribute to port emissions. These machines typically run on diesel or other fossil fuels and are responsible for moving cargo from ships to trucks or trains within the port.

4. Rail Transport: 5-10%

• Rail operations for moving goods in and out of the port generate emissions, particularly from diesel-powered locomotives. While rail is more fuel-efficient than trucks per ton-mile, the heavy use of diesel engines in rail freight still makes it a contributor.

5. Tugs and Auxiliary Vessels: 5-10%

• Tugboats and other support vessels used for guiding ships into port and performing auxiliary tasks contribute to emissions. These vessels run on marine fuel and typically operate continuously during vessel maneuvers.

6. Energy Use in Port Operations: 5-10%

• Electricity consumption within the port for lighting, cooling, and operating buildings and equipment contributes to indirect carbon emissions, depending on the energy mix of the local grid. Ports that rely on fossil-fuel-based power grids will have higher associated emissions from electricity use.

7. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers) and Waste Management: 1-5%

• Reefers require constant power to maintain temperatures, consuming energy around the clock. Depending on the number of reefers in operation, this can contribute a small but steady portion of port emissions.
• Waste management processes (e.g., incineration of waste) also add to emissions but represent a minor share in comparison to the major sources.

Strategies for Reducing Truck Emissions

As highlighted, trucks and heavy-duty vehicles contribute approximately 15-25% of total port emissions,falling under Scope 3 emissions for ports. In response, ports worldwide are adopting various measures to reduce emissions from trucks, which significantly impact overall port emissions. Some of the key strategies include:

1. Electrification of Trucks

• Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs): Many ports are encouraging or requiring the transition to electric trucks to replace diesel-powered vehicles. This includes heavy-duty electric trucks that can handle port cargo transport.
• Incentives and Grants: Ports offer financial incentives to trucking companies to adopt electric vehicles. For example, programs like California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) provide rebates for purchasing zero-emission trucks.
• Charging Infrastructure: Ports are investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the use of electric trucks. Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are leaders in this space with dedicated charging stations for electric trucks.

2. Cleaner Fuels and Engine Retrofits

• Alternative Fuels: Ports are promoting the use of cleaner fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable diesel, and biodiesel for trucks that have not transitioned to electric power. These fuels result in lower carbon emissions compared to diesel.
• Retrofit Programs: Some ports offer retrofit programs that help truck operators upgrade older, high-polluting trucks with cleaner, lower-emission technologies. For example, the Port of New York and New Jersey has implemented programs to replace older diesel engines with cleaner ones.

3. Port Appointment and Reservation Systems

• Truck Appointment Systems: Ports are implementing digital scheduling systems that allow trucks to reserve specific times for picking up and dropping off cargo. This reduces truck idling and wait times, leading to lower emissions. The Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach have seen success with this system, reducing congestion and related emissions.
• Optimization of Truck Movements: Digital tools and platforms such as those offered by PortXchange help optimize truck movements, reducing the time trucks spend idling or waiting at terminals, which directly reduces emissions.

4. Drayage Truck Programs

• Clean Trucks Programs: Ports are phasing out older, more polluting trucks by adopting programs that regulate the age and emission standards for drayage trucks. The Clean Truck Program at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach mandates that only trucks meeting certain emissions standards can operate in the port.
• Vehicle Upgrading Initiatives: Through various funding programs, ports encourage the replacement of older diesel trucks with newer, cleaner vehicles. Many ports provide financial assistance to truck operators to replace trucks that are more than a certain number of years old.

5. Shore Power and On-Dock Rail

• Shore Power for Trucks (Cold Ironing for Trucks): Some ports are implementing shore power for refrigerated trucks and trailers, which allows them to plug into the electrical grid while parked, rather than idling their diesel engines to maintain power. This is particularly relevant for reefer trucks that need to keep cargo cool while at port.
• On-Dock Rail: By increasing the use of on-dock rail, where containers are moved directly from ships to trains, ports can reduce the number of trucks required for short-haul transportation, lowering emissions.

6. Low Emission Zones and Access Restrictions

• Zero-Emission Zones (ZEZs): Some ports are creating zero-emission zones, where only electric or other zero-emission vehicles are allowed to operate. This reduces emissions in areas of high activity within the port.
• Truck Bans for High-Emission Vehicles: Ports such as those in California impose restrictions on older diesel trucks that do not meet emission standards, effectively banning them from entering port facilities.

7. Public-Private Partnerships and Funding Initiatives

• Public-Private Partnerships: Ports are collaborating with trucking companies, equipment manufacturers, and government agencies to implement cleaner trucking initiatives. These partnerships often lead to innovation and shared resources to reduce emissions.
• Government and NGO Funding: Many ports receive funding from government initiatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) aimed at reducing truck emissions. For example, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide grants and financial support to ports for truck retrofitting and electrification.

8. Truck Emissions Monitoring and Data Analysis

• Emissions Monitoring Programs: Ports are implementing monitoring systems at gates to track the emissions of trucks entering and exiting the port. For example, the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach use RFID technology to monitor truck compliance with emissions standards.
• Data Analysis and Optimization: By collecting emissions data, ports can identify high-emission trucks and work with operators to upgrade them. Ports can also use this data to optimize traffic flows and improve truck efficiency.

9. Testing and Piloting Innovative Technologies

• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks: Some ports are piloting hydrogen fuel cell trucks as an alternative to diesel or electric trucks. These trucks produce zero emissions and offer longer ranges than battery-electric trucks.
• Autonomous and Connected Trucks: Ports are testing autonomous and connected truck technologies, which could further optimize routes and reduce emissions through more efficient driving patterns.

By adopting these measures, ports are actively working to reduce the carbon footprint of their trucking operations, contributing to broader efforts to decarbonize the logistics and freight industry.