Adam RollinsThe Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) will spend $127.5 million to fully electrify the port of Wilmington in Delaware.
The port of Wilmington is one of dozens of ports nationwide refurbishing their operations to combat air pollution while maintaining productivity. To accomplish this, the port will use the funds to fully transition the port to zero-emission equipment and infrastructure.
While ports play an essential role in transporting goods and people throughout the country, they heavily rely on equipment and infrastructure that produce significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG).
The shipping industry, including global port operations, is estimated to produce up to 850 million metric tons of CO2 annually.
The DSPC will invest in converting cargo handling equipment from diesel fuel to exclusively utilize electric power. The port will also buy new electric cargo handling equipment for parts of the inventory that can’t be converted, or that the port doesn’t have. This process will require the port to scrap a portion of the remaining diesel fleet.
To ensure the port can support its zero-emission equipment, plans include buying and installing chargers and electrical infrastructure. The DSPC will prepare and maintain an emissions inventory, alongside conducting community engagement and workforce development, to ensure that all emissions reductions targets are met.
Photo courtesy Diiscool
