The Port of Baltimore has been awarded USD 2.4 million from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce emissions at the port and in surrounding areas.
As informed, the port will use the funding, which is coming from a Diesel Emission Reduction Act, to repower marine engines and upgrade diesel dray trucks and equipment for moving cargo.
These replacements and repowers will result in the lifetime emission reduction of approximately 37 tons of particulate matter, 398 tons of nitrogen oxides, 165 tons of carbon monoxide, and 724 tons of carbon dioxide. It will also save more than 64,000 tons of fuel, according to the port.
“This federal funding will support growth at one of our state’s top economic engines, while significantly reducing emissions and building on the clean air progress that we have made,” Larry Hogan, Governor of Maryland, said.
Through initiatives like the Clean Diesel and Dray Truck Replacement programs, the port has been able to reduce the lifetime amount of air pollutants by more than 10,000 tons while continuing to grow its business.
To date, the Port of Baltimore has replaced 175 older dray trucks with newer model, cleaner versions. It has also replaced, retrofitted or repowered about 60 pieces of cargo-handling equipment with newer, less polluting engines. Both of those initiatives were important in improving air quality associated with port activities.
Among the nation’s ports, the Port of Baltimore ranks first for autos and light trucks, roll on/roll off heavy farm and construction machinery, and imported sugar. In addition, the port ranks second in exported coal.
Last month, the port was also awarded USD 6.6 million in federal funding to contribute to a project that will deepen the second container berth, allowing the port to welcome two large ships simultaneously.