Blueprint to zero emissions announced at World Oceans Day event on June 11

Port of Hueneme aims to make operations zero emissions by 2030. The Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District made the historic announcement at its World Oceans Day event on June 11.

Port of Hueneme blueprint to decarbonization target date announcement press conference.

Becoming zero emissions with grid power requires a huge investment in electrical charging infrastructure and equipment and will cost tens of millions of dollars. However, the Port is well on its way having invested tens of millions to date with another $100+ million in investments and grants in que to continue this transition away from fossil fuels. The Port has already made significant progress in reducing emissions by using low and zero emissions vehicles and equipment over the years, and by working with Port partners to use better, cleaner technology.

“The Port of Hueneme’s announcement of our zero-emission blueprint initiative marks a critical step in our commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Comissioners.

“I’d like to thank the California Energy Commission for seeing the Port of Hueneme as a leader in the Port decarbonization space and providing critical funding to bring our communities vision of a zero-emission port one step closer to reality! This ambitious goal to be zero emission by 2030 is only possible with the incredible support of our strong community, labor, and business partners throughout Ventura County. We look forward to working together on this journey to becoming the first fully zero emission and greenest port in the United States!”

The intent is to have the Port’s cranes all plugging in, vessels be zero emission at berth through shoreside power and emission control systems, and transition handling equipment and port vehicles to zero emission by 2030. The Port will partner closely with the trucking community on goals around transition away from fossil fuels and the ocean carrier industry on the movement to a green, decarbonized bunker fuels, but this is separate effort from the Port’s zero emission blueprint.

“We’re thrilled to move forward in this endeavor and to work hand and hand with our trades and with our community to come up with zero emission solutions and to hopefully be the first Port in the U.S.A. to be a zero emission port because of the size and scale of who we are,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director, for the Port of Hueneme.

Kristin Decas, Port of Hueneme CEO & Port Director

“We have been working on the Blueprint since 2021,” said Giles Pettifor, Port Environmental Manager. “Now that we have funding and support from the state, our commercial partners, and we can make our goal of ZE a reality and years ahead of State of California ZE goals.”

Beginning in 2021, the Port conducted a two-year zero emissions energy study to decide which clean fuels could power the Port in the future thanks to funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC). The Port looked at two future clean fuels, electrical grid power and hydrogen powered fuel cells. The study looked in detail at all the equipment on Port, and concluded electrical grid power is the best future clean fuel to power the Port toward a zero emission future.

In 2022, the Port received federal funding to develop a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan under the broader climate, energy and air quality program known as Port of Hueneme, Reducing Emissions, Supporting Health (PHRESH). This program reflects the Port’s ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and supporting public health and improving air quality.

This major announcement is realistic based on current projections but is dependent on significant external funding and equipment availability and will not include the vessels sailing the ocean or drayage trucking.

The Blueprint to ZE announcement kicked off the Port’s World Oceans Day celebration “Catalyze Action for Our Ocean & Climate” on June 11 at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard. The event was an opportunity for the Port of Hueneme, maritime industry companies, environmentalists and community organizations to gather to discuss partnerships focused on the sustainability of the world’s oceans.

The event included a keynote panel of organizations that align with the Port’s mission of growing a blue economy. The Blue Whales Blue Skies Award Ceremony also recognized Port for customers including K Line America Inc, Maersk, Hyundai Glovis, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, NYK Line, Evergreen, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, CSL Americas slowing ships and saving whales. Additionally, the Friend of the Port Award Ceremony thanked Port partners including Reel Guppy Outdoors, MERITO Foundation, and Coastal Keepers for making a difference.