Commercial, Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions - January 24, 2025
Port of Los Angeles Receives Funding to Test Zero-emission Vessels
The Port of Los Angeles along with Catalina Express and Harbor Breeze Cruises received a $31 million grant to test zero-emission vessels.
The funding is provided by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to help fund passenger ferry and excursion boat demo projects. The project will involve the testing and evaluation of two different harbor craft emission-reduction technologies and a comprehensive evaluation of next-generation, less-polluting harbor craft.
“To achieve our goal of becoming a zero-emission port, we need to incorporate a range of emission-reduction technologies throughout our port complex, as well as promote their commercialization,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka in a statement. “We’re grateful to the California Air Resources Board, Catalina Express and Harbor Breeze cruises for helping support this industry leading initiative to test new and promising harbor craft technologies.”
The Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction (LA MER) project will involve the design, construction and launch of a passenger ferry with Tier 4 engines and potentially a CARB-verified, U.S. Coast Guard-approved diesel particulate filter. Operated by Catalina Express, this new ferry will use renewable diesel and replace three smaller ferries using Tier 2 and Tier 3 engines, enhancing the efficiency of regional ferry service and also increasing emissions benefits.
In partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, the LA MER project will entail the design, construction and deployment of two zero-emission capable excursion boats. The vessels are expected to exceed the regulatory definition of a Zero-Emission Advanced Technology (ZEAT) vessel and will be able to operate a minimum of 30% of the time in zero-emission mode, with some trips operating as much as 100%, depending on route length and other factors.
Grant partners Catalina Express and Harbor Breeze Cruises will each contribute a $15 million match toward their respective demonstration program. The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved $650,000 of Port of Los Angeles funds to help fund the project evaluation study. The Port of Long Beach will contribute approximately $340,000 to support the Port of Los Angeles' technology evaluation in coordination with harbor craft operators, regulators, engine manufacturers, technology developers and the U.S. Coast Guard.
LA MER is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
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