Cleaner Air. Healthier Communities.
The Port of San Diego is committed to being a good neighbor - cleaner air leads to healthier communities and to a stronger future for San Diego as a whole. By investing in innovation and listening to the community, the Port is ensuring that San Diego Bay remains a place where commerce, culture, and community thrive together.
Cleaner Operations
The Port operates two cargo terminals and two cruise terminals. In collaboration with various partners, we are significantly reducing diesel pollution from these maritime and industrial operations:
- We are electrifying cargo handling equipment like cranes and reach stackers.
- We are providing shore power to cruise and cargo vessels so they can turn off their diesel engines while in port.
- Ocean-going vessels are reducing their speeds miles before they enter the bay, which decreases pollution as they pull into port.
- We are building infrastructure to support the transition of heavy-duty diesel trucks to electric power.
Cleaner Supply Chain
From ship to shore, we are electrifying the supply chain.
- Cargo and cruise ships reduce speeds before entering the bay and then plug into shore power and turn off their diesel engines when they pull into port.
- Harbor craft like tugboats are going all-electric rather than running off diesel.
- Equipment that loads and offloads cargo is being converted from diesel to electric.
- Yard trucks used by workers on and around the terminals are also transitioning from gas-powered to electric.
- Heavy-duty trucks that move and carry goods on and off our terminals and to stores and suppliers are transitioning from diesel to electric power.
CLEAR RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2022, we saw a 97% reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2), an 87% reduction in diesel particulate matter (DPM), and a 55% reduction in nitrous oxides (NOx).*
*These chemicals are the primary harmful pollutants that are emitted from combustion engines that drive cargo handling equipment, cargo and cruise vessels, heavy duty trucks, and more. Click here for the full 2022 Maritime Air Emissions Inventory.
Clear Action: Maritime Clean Air Strategy
The Port began focusing on improving air quality in the early 2000s through energy efficiency projects, cleaner-burning engines for passenger and work vehicles, being an early adopter of shore power, and more. The Port's clean air efforts really kicked into gear with advancements in electrification technologies and increased availability of federal and state funding to support port electrification. In 2019, building on years of work and partnerships with local communities, Port tenants, and environmental leaders, the Port began developing goals and objectives for what became the Maritime Clean Air Strategy - also known as the MCAS. Adopted in 2021, it identifies projects and initiatives to further reduce harmful air pollutants while also supporting efficient, modern and sustainable maritime operations.
To date, we have implemented 80 percent of our MCAS objectives and have earned high marks for our leadership in clean air and community collaboration in The Clean Ports Report Card. The Port was recognized for strong emissions reporting, clear clean-air goals, and measurable actions to reduce pollution.
Click on the links below to view the full MCAS, highlights reports, and the latest truck report. Scroll down a bit further for an overview of emissions sources and a health risk assessment conducted after MCAS adoption.
MCAS Checkpoint
Now, five years in, the Port is working to update the MCAS. Staff conducted renewed community and stakeholder outreach in 2025, which continues in 2026, and will be presenting preliminary recommendations with the Board of Port Commissioners. More details will be shared here.
Questions or comments on the MCAS? Please email Port staff at mcas@portofsandiego.org.
Portside Communities
All communities around San Diego Bay are experiencing lower air emissions from Port operations thanks to the Port's clean air efforts. Those that have historically been impacted most by poor air quality are known as Portside Communities - Barrio Logan, West National City, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, and the Port's Working Waterfront between the two cargo terminals. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) identified Portside Communities as part of its Community Air Protection Program (also known as AB 617 Program), and designated these communities and others in California for air monitoring and for emissions reduction plans. The San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) is responsible for implementing AB 617 in our region and established the AB 617 Steering Committee whose members represent residents, agencies, industry, non-profits, and other pertinent stakeholders. The committee developed the Portside Community Emissions Reduction Plan, or CERP. Click here for more information.
INVESTING IN COMMUNITY: Since 2021, the Port and our partners have committed over $227 million on maritime electrification and efficiency.
Portside Community Academy
Launched in 2023, the Portside Community Academy provides an opportunity for local residents to learn about the cutting-edge developments happening at the Port of San Diego. Participants engage with the Port’s technology leaders, explore innovative solutions, and gain insights into our sustainable future, including improving human health and quality of life. Join us for an exciting opportunity to delve into the world of clean air and electrification projects shaping the future of the Port and lessening industrial impacts on our portside communities.
Port of Firsts
The MCAS is the most ambitious clean air strategy policy document of its kind in the State of California, and has put the Port and our partners on the leading edge of adopting zero emissions technologies - we are a Port of Firsts!
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We have the first all-electric mobile harbor cranes in North America
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We have the first all-electric tugboat in the U.S., operated by Crowley.
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We were among the first ports to install shore power.
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We are the first port in the U.S. with all-electric car haulers, operated by Pasha.
- The Port was the first in California to install and operate shore power for a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel, and the Port and Pasha were the first in the U.S. to commission a ro-ro vessel for shore power.
Emissions Sources
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Cargo Handling EquipmentCargo Handling Equipment
Cargo handling equipment is used to support terminal activities and move cargo on and off ocean-going vessels, harbor craft, rail, and trucks. Cargo handling equipment is necessary for coastal dependent maritime trade operations and water-based commerce. The Port's all-electric mobile harbor cranes replaced an old diesel crane that was the largest polluter on the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. Now, the Port offers the heaviest lifting capacity along the West Coast with zero pollution.
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Commercial Harbor CraftCommercial Harbor Craft
Commercial Harbor Craft includes a variety of vessel and boat types that serve many functions within and near San Diego Bay including crew and supply boats, charter fishing vessels, commercial fishing vessels, ferry and excursion vessels, pilot vessels, towboats, tugboats, barges, and work boats. Crowley's all-electric tug seen in the photo is an example of a piece of harbor craft that has gone electric and reduced approximately 30,000 gallons of diesel annually.
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Heavy Duty TrucksHeavy Duty TrucksPort of San Diego 2025 Truck Report
Heavy-duty trucks are used to transport cargo to and from the Port’s two marine cargo terminals and to points beyond. Our MCAS seeks to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions trucks by 2030 - well in advance of state goals.
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Port of San Diego FleetPort of San Diego Fleet
The Port’s fleet of vehicles, equipment, and vessels are used by Port employees to carry out the management of the Port and the Tidelands.
Most vehicles operated by the Port are medium-duty vehicles such as typical work trucks, some of which are now electric with more planned to be replaced with electric vehicles in future years.
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Ocean Going VesselsOcean Going VesselsUnderwater Noise Fact Sheet
Ocean Going Vessels (vessels greater than 10,000 gross tons or 400 feet in length), support maritime businesses at the Port's cruise and cargo terminals. Various strategies are being deployed to reduce emissions from these large vessels, including the use of cleaner engines and fuels and recognizing participants in the Port's voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Program. Studies show reducing vessel speeds decreases air emissions. Reduced speeds can also reduce propeller noise and impacts to marine mammals. Shore power and carbon capture capabilities are also being expanded to allow ships to emit less emissions while at berth. Click here to view the latest VSR participation summary report.
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RailRail
Trains carry freight cargo between the Port’s two marine cargo terminals and regional destinations and/or to farther locations in the western U.S. Freight rail service is provided exclusively by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, which has direct access to the TAMT and the NCMT. While BNSF is not a tenant on either of the Port’s terminals, the Port is working on improvements to increase efficiency of rail operations and encourage the use of cleaner switcher locomotives to reduce emissions.
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ShipyardsShipyards
Shipyard facilities are subject to a number of Federal, State, and local regulations designed to reduce emissions. In California, Clean Air Act compliance is a shared responsibility between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD). SDAPCD is the local agency with authority for issuing air pollution control permits to stationary sources. SDAPCD also regularly inspects shipyards and other facilities holding air pollution control permits. Additionally, the shipyards continue to implement operational efficiencies that have environmental benefits.
MCAS Health Risk Assessment
As part of the MCAS, a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) was prepared to identify existing health risk levels generated from the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT) and the National City Marine Terminal (NCMT) for Diesel Particulate matter (DPM) and other Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs). The HRA establishes a health risk baseline for the areas near and adjacent to the Port’s two marine cargo terminals based on their 2019 activity and operations. The HRA explains how some key emission reduction strategies identified in the MCAS may help reduce health-related impacts. Scroll down to the documents drawer to read the full assessment, fact sheets, and FAQs.
Clean Air Projects
Here are additional electrification projects in the works at the Port of San Diego.
Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub
In alignment with the MCAS, the Port is pursuing development of an electric truck charging station to support deployment of electric trucks in port operations. In March 2024, the Board selected Skycharger to negotiate a project to build and operate an electric truck charging station at 19th Street and Tidelands Avenue next to the National City Marine Terminal. The Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub is proposed on a 4.8-acre industrial site along an existing truck route with no residential neighbors. As part of robust public outreach, the Port developed and released the Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for public review and comments in February 2026. The Draft EIR found no significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. Staff is now reviewing comments and will present the Draft EIR to the Board of Port Commissioners in the summer of 2026.
If ultimately approved by the Board, the project would reduce the number of diesel trucks that serve Port terminals, resulting in less diesel pollution.
Clean Cargo Project
In alignment with the MCAS, the Port is implementing the San Diego Clean Cargo Project. This $86 million project is funded in part by a $59 million grant under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program. An additional $28 million in matching funds are provided by the Port, San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD), Dole, PASHA, Skycharger, and SSA Marine. The project includes the deployment of cutting-edge technologies:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Complete 12-kV electrical distribution system upgrades at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT) to support zero-emission equipment and shore power.
- Shore Power Systems: Two systems for commercial harbor craft at TAMT and deployed throughout San Diego Bay and one system for ocean-going vessels at TAMT.
- Advance a proposed zero-emissions truck hub: Strategically located along the Tidelands Avenue truck route to serve both cargo terminals.
- Zero-Emissions Equipment and Vehicles, and Supply Equipment: Purchase and deployment of 32 battery-electric cargo handling equipment, 20 stevedore-shuttle vans, 25 heavy-duty trucks, and the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) required for charging.
The Clean Cargo Project also includes workforce development efforts to foster high-quality, family-sustaining jobs within port communities while expanding access to training and employment opportunities for individuals in low income and disadvantaged areas nearby. Additionally, the Environmental Health Coalition (EHC), a local environmental justice organization, is partnering with the Port to conduct community outreach about the project.
MCAS Timeline
- June: Board of Port Commissioners initiates development of the MCAS.
- March: Port staff presents to the Board a recommended approach for completing the MCAS.
- July: Board identifies a vision for the MCAS, “Health Equity for All.”
- August:
- Port releases Draft Revised MCAS for public review and feedback.
- Port holds Virtual Update to review changes made from the Discussion Draft of the MCAS to the Draft Revised MCAS.
- October: Board approves the MCAS.
- June: Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Truck Transition Plan/Presentation to the Board.
- January: Second shore power system in operation at B Street Cruise Ship Terminal.
- July: First all-electric mobile harbor cranes in North America arrived at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
- Fall: The first cohort of the Portside Community Academy began.
- March: First all-electric tugboat in the United States arrived at Crosby Street Pier.
- September: First all-electric mobile harbor cranes in North America are in full operation.
- October: Port begins community and stakeholder outreach to seek input on next steps for the MCAS. Two public meetings are held, one on Oct. 23 in Barrio Logan and one on Nov. 5 in National City.
- November:
- Port and Pasha successfully commissioned a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel for shore power, marking a first-of-its kind achievement in the United States. It was also the first-ever shore power connection for a domestic pure car/truck carrier (a ship designed exclusively for transporting vehicles).
- Port earns high marks for its leadership in clean air and community collaboration according to The Clean Ports Report Card.
- February: Port releases Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub Draft EIR for public review and input. Report finds no significant environmental impacts.