Port of Oakland’s yard cranes going hybrid to help clean air
Each crane is being equipped with batteries and new, smaller diesel backup engines.
The Port of Oakland, Oakland, Calif., announced plans to convert 13 diesel-powered yard cranes to hybrid power, resulting in an annual 45-ton reduction in diesel-related air pollutants.
The first hybrid crane began service March 5 at Oakland International Container Terminal. 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,” says Catherine Mukai, environmental planner for Port of Oakland. “We’re gratified that our partners at the terminal are taking this step to help clear the air.”
“We depend heavily on this equipment to keep cargo flowing smoothly,” says 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.”
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