Port of San Diego moves forward on clean-air ‘bonnet’ system for idling vessels

The Port of San Diego introduced Thursday it is going to transfer ahead with a system meant to regulate and seize cargo vessel emissions, often known as a bonnet.

The Board of Port Commissioners permitted an settlement with Clear Air Engineering-Maritime to design, construct and function a barge-based emissions management and seize system, often known as the Marine Exhaust Remedy System, which should be licensed by the California Air Assets Board.

This method can be obtainable to be used by cargo vessels that are not but outfitted to hook up with shore energy by inserting a bonnet over the vessel’s stack to seize and deal with exhaust whereas the ship is at berth. CARB requires the exhaust remedy to be equal to electrical energy at berth.

Shore energy permits vessels to plug into shore-based electrical energy so they do not must run their diesel engines whereas at berth.

“The bonnet will give a few of our cargo carriers an excellent choice in lowering their air high quality impacts whereas they work to transition their vessels to being shore energy appropriate,” stated Dan Malcolm, chairman of the port board.

“That is one other instance of how we are able to preserve and develop our maritime enterprise — and shield jobs — whereas additionally bettering air high quality and high quality of life for all who dwell, work, and play on and round San Diego Bay.”

The bonnet system is meant to assist the port’s “Well being Fairness for All” imaginative and prescient — particularly, the aim to cut back emissions from ocean-going vessels. Moreover, CARB rules require that auto provider vessels cut back emissions whereas at berth at California seaports starting in 2025 by using both shore energy or bonnet expertise. The Nationwide Metropolis Marine Terminal primarily processes car imports.

“The Port of San Diego is aggressively pursuing each mitigation measure obtainable to make sure the best air high quality of any port neighborhood,” stated Nick Tonsich, president of Clear Air Engineering-Maritime. “We’re proud to work with the port and supply our years of expertise on this public-private partnership.”

In response to port paperwork, the challenge’s complete value is estimated at round $11.5 million, with the port directing $4.9 million in grant funds acquired from the California Transportation Fee. Clear Air Engineering-Maritime is protecting the remainder. The system is deliberate to be operational by Jan. 1, 2025.