Port of Oakland’s new yard cranes are “going hybrid” in latest environmental initiative

Improving the air quality at the Port of Oakland has been an ongoing strategy for the past several years, and appears to be creating new efficiencies as well. 

In the latest development, the port announced that its largest marine terminal is converting 13 diesel-powered yard cranes to hybrid power.  The result is expected to be an annual 45-ton reduction in diesel-related air pollutants. 

According to port spokesmen, the first hybrid crane began service March 5 at Oakland International Container Terminal. Spokesmen added that the rest of the terminal’s retrofitted fleet will come online by next year.  Each crane, shaped like an inverted U on wheels, is being equipped with batteries and new, smaller diesel backup engines. 

“This is the Prius of cargo-handling equipment,” stated Port of Environmental Planner Catherine Mukai.  “We’re gratified that our partners at the terminal are taking this step to help clear the air.”

In July 2018, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District awarded the terminal operator, SSA Terminals, a $5 million grant for the hybrid project through its Community Health Protection Grant Program.  SSA Terminals is spending about $1 million more to retrofit its cranes.  According to the port, the terminal operator could recoup its cost within two years, thanks to fuel savings. 

“We depend heavily on this equipment to keep cargo flowing smoothly,” said Jim Rice, General Manager at Oakland International Container Terminal.  “We’re pleased to find a solution that makes us more efficient and at the same time benefits the environment.”

The port’s communications director, Mike Zampa, told LM in an interview that there would be not displacement of longshoremen, either. 

“The only change is in the motor,” he explained. “These cranes are much quieter and don’t produce diesel exhaust.  That should be beneficial to operators.”

The massive cranes, known as Rubber Tired Gantry Cranes, are the workhorses of port operations worldwide.  They straddle mile-long rows of containers, lifting boxes on and off trucks and have a 50-ton lift capacity.