Incentives of $57 million are offered for cleaner equipment, harbor craft

The Port of Long Beach is launching two new incentive programs totaling $57.4 million to accelerate emissions reductions by supporting the purchase of zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment and cleaner harbor craft.

The funding is part of the System-Wide Investment in Freight Transport (SWIFT), a pioneering initiative funded by the California State Transportation Agency’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program.

SWIFT is a transformative effort designed to support Port modernization, enhance goods movement efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts on neighboring communities.

“This program is all about making strides in operational efficiency and sustainability, rapidly and responsibly,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “It is a reflection of not only our dedication to innovation but also our responsibility towards the community and the environment.”

“SWIFT is more than a program; it’s a promise to our community and to future generations,” Long Beach Harbor Commission president Bonnie Lowenthal said. “By accelerating the adoption of zero-emissions technologies, we are ensuring we provide immediate and lasting benefits to our Port and our neighboring communities.”

This round of funding is evenly split between the Zero-Emission Terminal Transformation and Harbor Craft Business Continuity and Emission Reduction programs. Details on the funding:

• Zero-Emission Terminal Transformation Program: This program allocates $28.7 million in incentives for purchasing zero-emission cargo handling equipment and battery-electric CHE charging equipment. All cargo handling equipment being tested must be manually operated.
• Commercial Harbor Craft Incentive Program: This program provides another $28.7 million to support upgrades that meet advanced environmental standards for harbor craft.

A virtual informational workshop will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, to learn more about this funding opportunity. Registration is required. More information can be found at www.polb.com/swift.