The Port of Long Beach has expanded its zero-emission freight infrastructure through projects funded by a $383 million state grant awarded in 2023. The funding comes from California’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) and supports the port’s System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport (SWIFT) program.
Recent work includes 15 battery-electric, human-operated yard tractors, charging infrastructure, and a tugboat repowered with a low-emission engine at SSA Terminals’ Pier C facility. Orange EV manufactured the yard tractors, which were acquired through a $37.8 million SWIFT award. SSA Terminals plans to add nine battery-electric top handlers and supporting infrastructure next year through a separate $28.8 million project.
The PFIP grant includes more than $158 million for the Pier B rail support facility. The facility will shift more cargo from trucks to on-dock rail. More than $200 million is also funding zero-emission cargo-handling equipment, charging infrastructure, cleaner harbor craft, and expanded shore power systems across the port.
The program is expected to support more than 22,000 jobs. By 2028, the projects are projected to reduce annual port-related carbon dioxide emissions by more than 12 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 5 percent. The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners recently approved another $58.2 million in SWIFT funding for additional zero-emission equipment, harbor craft, charging units, and a zero-emission locomotive.