Port of Long Beach unveils renewable energy, zero emissions initiatives

The Port of Long Beach's Executive Director Mario Cordero announced the port's new Zero Emissions, Energy Resilient Operations (ZEERO) program during his state-of-the-port address last week.

The program will invest in projects aimed at reducing the impact of operations and improving air quality, port officials said in a press release. ZEERO supports the development of renewable energy projects, such as the port's proposed Floating Offshore Wind Staging and Integration Facility, also known as Pier Wind.

A conceptual assessment for Pier Wind — which would become the largest facility specifically designed to accommodate the assembly of offshore wind turbines at any U.S. seaport — is scheduled for completion this spring. The project would help California meet its long-term offshore wind power production goals, port officials said

The port also plans to invest in rail projects to upgrade efficiency, reduce truck trips and lessen the environmental impact of increased cargo, port officials said. Some of those investments include the fourth track at Ocean Boulevard project, which would add another rail line to the port; and the Pier B on-dock rail support facility.