Environment: San Diego

The Port of San Diego's $4.25 million shore power project is now online and available for cold-ironing cargo ships docking at 10th Avenue Marine Terminal.  

San Diego Celebrates Shore Power Installation

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 24 celebrated the completion of the Port of San Diego's shore power project. Begun in mid-2013, the $4.25 million project was funded by the port's capital improvement program.

"The port is proud to be a leader in environmental issues and continues to be a great steward of San Diego Bay," said Bob Nelson, chairman of the board of port commissioners. "By offering shore power, we not only improve air quality for communities nearby, but we also reduce our impact on the planet."

According to data cited by the port, shore power will:
The system will allow refrigerated cargo ships – including those operated by port client Dole Fresh Fruit – to "plug in" and use electrical power from SDG&E instead of relying on diesel fuel engines while at berth.  

This project fulfills a mandate set forth by the California Air Resources Board requiring California ports and terminals to provide shore power to container, passenger and refrigerated-cargo ships. The Port of San Diego is already equipped to provide shore power to cruise ships that berth at both its B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal and Broadway Pier.

The Port of San Diego dedicated its new shore power system for cargo ships on February 24, 2014.
Photo/Dale Frost, Port of San Diego