The Port of Los Angeles has announced its most successful year yet in reducing pollution, achieving record-low emissions on a per-container basis in 2024 even as it processed a 19% surge in cargo volume. This landmark achievement underscores the port’s sustained commitment to environmental stewardship and its proactive strategies in mitigating the impact of global trade on air quality. The latest Inventory of Air Emissions reveals significant long-term gains across multiple pollutants, reaffirming Los Angeles’s status as a leader in sustainable maritime operations.
Record Reductions Per Container in 2024
In 2024, the Port of Los Angeles handled nearly 10.3 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), marking its largest annual percentage increase in container volume in history. Despite this significant surge, the port recorded its best performance to date in reducing emissions relative to the amount of cargo moved. Since 2005, overall emissions of diesel particulate matter (DPM) have been slashed by 90%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 98%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 73%.
Crucially, the efficiency of these reductions is highlighted by per-container metrics. For every 10,000 containers processed, emissions of DPM have decreased by 93%, SOx by an astounding 99%, and NOx by 81%. These figures demonstrate that the port is moving more cargo with a considerably lighter environmental footprint than ever before. Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard stated, “Thanks to our core strategies, we continue to see the significant long-term air quality gains we have achieved with our partners and programs. Going forward, we remain committed to our ultimate goal of eliminating emissions from port-related sources”.
Key Strategies Fueling Sustainable Growth
The substantial environmental progress is attributed to a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes efficiency and cleaner technologies. A cornerstone of these efforts is the strategic shift towards fewer, larger, and more technologically advanced vessels. Since 2005, the port has observed a 34% decrease in container ship arrivals while simultaneously experiencing a 38% growth in container volume, a clear indicator of increased vessel capacity and efficiency.
Further contributing to cleaner air are the ongoing transitions to cleaner-burning fuels, the adoption of zero-emissions technology across port operations, and the continuous upgrade of ships, trucks, and cargo-handling equipment. Innovations in data analytics, operational planning, and advanced technologies also play a vital role, enabling the port to optimize cargo movement while minimizing emissions.
A Two-Decade Commitment to a Greener Future
The current achievements are built upon a foundation of sustained environmental commitment dating back two decades. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka emphasized this long-term vision: “Two decades ago, we made a commitment to grow green. The report shows we are doing just that – moving cargo more sustainably than ever, while driving cargo volume increases”.
The port meticulously inventories air pollution from all sources—ships, trucks, trains, harbor craft, and cargo-handling equipment—annually. This rigorous tracking allows for the measurement of strategy effectiveness and progress evaluation on a per-container basis, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Beyond Ground-Level Pollutants: Tackling Greenhouse Gases
In addition to reducing ground-level pollutants that impact local air quality, the Port of Los Angeles is actively addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to climate change. Overall, port-wide measures have led to an 18% reduction in GHGs since 2005. On a per-container basis, GHGs have seen an even more impressive decrease of 40%.
The port’s proactive stance is further evidenced by its adherence to and advancement of initiatives like the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). Since the 2017 update of its CAAP, the port has achieved reductions of 12% in DPM, 34% in NOx, 24% in SOx, and 6% in GHGs. The port also actively engages in international collaborations, such as developing green shipping corridors with major ports in Asia, aimed at further decarbonizing the global shipping industry. These efforts are reviewed by regional, state, and federal air regulatory agencies, ensuring transparency and informing future strategies toward the ultimate goal of zero emissions.
Specific Initiatives Driving Emission Reductions
Several targeted programs are instrumental in achieving these widespread emission reductions. The Clean Truck Program has been a significant driver, phasing out older, more polluting trucks and incentivizing the adoption of near-zero and zero-emission drayage trucks. Since its inception in 2008, emissions of diesel particulate matter from heavy-duty trucks have plummeted by 96% at the Port of Los Angeles. The port continues to invest in this transition, with goals to have all terminal equipment be zero-emission by 2030 and all drayage trucks by 2035, supported by funding mechanisms like the Clean Truck Fund Rate.
Another critical initiative is Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), commonly known as shore power. This program allows docked container vessels to “plug in” to shore-side electrical power, shutting down their auxiliary diesel engines and drastically reducing emissions while at berth. The Port of Los Angeles has invested millions of dollars in AMP infrastructure, equipping terminals to support this technology and meeting stringent state regulations that mandate its use. This has led to a significant reduction in emissions from ships while they are docked, contributing to cleaner air in the San Pedro Bay area.
A Blueprint for Global Maritime Sustainability
The Port of Los Angeles’s consistent delivery of clean air gains, even amid record cargo volumes, solidifies its reputation as an environmentally progressive seaport. The port’s commitment to transparency, evidenced by its annual emissions inventories and engagement with regulatory bodies, provides a robust model for other ports worldwide striving to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. As the port continues its journey toward a zero-emissions future, these recent accomplishments serve as a powerful testament to the efficacy of its strategic investments and collaborative partnerships in safeguarding air quality for communities and the planet.
News from Los Angeles ports continues to highlight innovative approaches to sustainable trade.
