In a major effort to reduce emissions from its large fleet of engine-powered equipment, Husky Terminal & Stevedoring, a major Port of Tacoma terminal operator, recently began using biodiesel fuel for all diesel-operated vehicles and container-handling equipment.
The Port of Tacoma is the economic engine of South Puget Sound, generating more than 43,000 jobs in Pierce County and more than 113,000 jobs across Washington state. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port handles an estimated $35 billion in annual trade and a 2005 volume of 2.07 million TEUs (20 ft. equivalent container units). The Port is also a major center for bulk, breakbulk and project/heavy-lift cargoes, as well as automobiles.
"While the cargo activity at our terminal brings great economic benefits to this region, we also want to reduce the negative impacts of our activity as much as possible," said Steve Bassett, assistant vice president. According to Bassett, his company has always embraced opportunities to make a positive difference for the community.
Bassett, whose terminal has served Japan-based "K" Line in Tacoma since 1988 said, "one of the ways we found we could achieve this was making the voluntary switch to biodiesel." Cindy Lin, manager of Environmental Compliance at the Port of Tacoma, works with Port customers to manage the switch to lower emission fuels. Husky's switch to the cleaner-burning, vegetable-based biodiesel, is reducing the emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Lin said. By blending biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), terminal operators can reduce sulfur oxides by as much as 99%, compared to standard diesel fuel. Each of Husky's 31 yard tractors and all cargo-handling equipment is now running on a biodiesel/low sulfur diesel blend.
Prior to making its voluntary switch to biodiesel, Husky used approximately 11,200 gal. of low-sulfur diesel fuel per month. According to Bassett, Husky will begin using a 20% blend of biodiesel with low sulfur diesel and plans to increase that blend to 40% biodiesel this summer.
Husky's decision to use biodiesel is the latest in a number of initiatives by the Port of Tacoma and its customers to make immediate, tangible reductions in diesel fuel emissions. These initiatives include:
* In 2005, the Port purchased and installed EPA-verified diesel oxidation catalysts on 30 Kalmar Industries straddle carriers. The Port also began using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) in Port-operated equipment. In combination with the catalysts, total PM emissions were reduced up to 50% per vehicle.
* The Port initiated an automobile purchase policy to replace retiring Port-owned vehicles with new gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. These hybrid vehicles travel approximately 50 m/gal. of regular unleaded gasoline.
* The Port Maintenance Department staff is conducting a biodiesel pilot test project to determine operating efficiency on straddle carriers and other Port-operated equipment.
* The Evergreen Group, the leaseholder at Pierce County Terminal, was the first Port customer to mandate the use of ULSD. Today, four of the Port of Tacoma's six container terminals use ULSD.
* Brownfield conversion projects have significantly reduced the air quality impact from industrial sources. The closure of the Kaiser Aluminum Smelter and subsequent purchase by the Port of Tacoma eliminated 149 tons of particulate matter emissions, 121 tons of sulfur oxide emissions and 21 tons of ammonia emissions per year.
* Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) commissioned new roll-on/ roll-off vessels powered by diesel-electric drive systems that achieve 30% better fuel efficiency and significantly reduce emissions. This customer also implemented the "Paperless Gate" that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to reduce truck gate congestion.
* The Evergreen Group purchased lighter Fantuzzi Noell North America straddle carriers that use 30% less fuel and equipped the entire new cargo-handling fleet with new Tier 2 engines.
* Of the Port of Tacoma's 54 fork-lifts, 22 are powered by propane, a clean fuel.
* Low sulfur diesel is used in locomotives for switching operations at the Port.
* The first of Evergreen's "green" ships is now calling in Tacoma. In addition to numerous other environmentally friendly design features, the vessels produce less diesel emissions.
The Port of Tacoma is also a participant and a funding partner in the Puget Sound Marine Emissions Inventory project. Managed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the group--consisting of Puget Sound ports, maritime industry representatives, non-profit organizations and local government--works to build greater technical understanding of maritime-related air emissions and their impacts on public health and the environment, starting with preparation of a high-quality maritime air emissions inventory and support implementation of cost-effective maritime air pollution control strategies by sharing expertise and resources and building partnerships when activities require the cooperation of multiple organizations. The group also contributes to the West Coast Diesel Emissions Reduction Collaborative, a public-private partnership working to reduce air pollution emissions from diesel sources along the West Coast.
