L.A. port on track toward more sustainable future with ‘E-MAP’

Since I have become aware the sustainability movement has grown by leaps and bounds. To be eco-aware is one thing. To actually take steps to further sustainability is quite another.

Port of Los Angeles and the Vincent Thomas Bridge

The Port of Los Angeles is onboard.

Sustainability being the name of the game, the Port has set sail on a course not only to take energy efficiency to a whole new level but make port air cleaner. And it is exactly in this regard that America’s “premier” and “busiest container port,” will be following through with what is termed the Energy Management Action Plan or E-MAP.

“The E-MAP, unveiled during an energy workshop with representatives of the Port, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), marine terminal operators and others, will serve as the Port’s blueprint to identify, develop and implement various programs to improve energy efficiency, reliability, quality, cost and resiliency while keeping up with the accelerating electrification and energy demand at the Port,” the Port of Los Angeles stated in the “PORT OF LOS ANGELES TO DEVELOP ENERGY MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN: ‘E-MAP’ to Chart Port’s Course for Best Energy Practicespress release.

At the Port, there is particular emphasis on expanding use of:

  • Onshore power
  • Electric cranes
  • Yard tractors and other cargo handling equipment
  • Future automation

Meanwhile, “E-MAP elements will include assessing the Port’s existing and future power demands and developing a contingency plan for resuming operations in the event of an unexpected loss in power and an Energy Technology Advancement Program,” the Port in the press release maintained. “The latter will be modeled on an existing San Pedro Bay clean air program that funds the demonstration of new technology and new uses for existing technology.”

Furthermore, the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners later this year is due to receive what is being called a “final roadmap.”

Conserving energy by reducing electricity consumption corresponds with lowering energy bills while at the same time lowering emissions.

“The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves,” noted the Port in the release.

Generated by the Port are 830,000-plus area jobs and yearly wages and tax revenues of $35 billion, also according to information presented in the release.

Image above: United States Coast Guard, PA3 Louis Hebert

– Alan Kandel

This post was last revised on Jan. 9, 2020 @ 7:35 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.