California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin visited the Port of Long Beach to review progress made under a record-setting state grant from California’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program, which is supporting more than 22,000 jobs while advancing emissions reductions and supply chain modernisation at the port.
Omishakin, along with port officials, state representatives and ILWU Locals 13, 63 and 94, gathered at SSA Terminals’ Pier C facility, a joint venture between SSA Marine and Matson, to mark the acquisition of 15 zero-emission, human-operated American-made yard tractors, associated charging infrastructure and a tugboat repowered with a low-emission engine.
The equipment was procured through the Port of Long Beach’s System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport programme, known as SWIFT.
In 2023, the Port of Long Beach received a record USD 383 million in PFIP grant funding, including more than US$ 158 million directed toward the Port’s rail support facility at Pier B, designed to shift more cargo from truck to on-dock rail.
Collectively, the funded projects are expected to eliminate more than 12% of all carbon dioxide emissions and more than 5% of nitrogen oxide emissions associated with port-related operations annually by 2028, alongside the 22,000 jobs the investment supports.
Omishakin described the investment as an example of the economic opportunity created by intentional infrastructure commitment, while State Senator Lena Gonzalez and Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal both highlighted the dual benefits of cleaner operations and union job creation.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna emphasised the role of the investment in reinforcing the port’s position as a global sustainability leader, while Port CEO Dr Noel Hacegaba framed the funding as central to the port’s path toward becoming the world’s first zero-emissions port.
More than US$ 200 million in PFIP funding channelled through SWIFT is being used for human-operated zero-emission cargo handling equipment, charging infrastructure, low-emission harbor craft and shore power expansion.
The Orange EV yard tractors deployed at Pier C form part of US$ 37.8 million in zero-emissions equipment awards at the facility, with SSA Terminals expected to add nine battery-electric top handlers next year as part of an additional US$ 28.8 million project.
