California’s Port of Hueneme has partnered with emissions reduction service provider STAX Engineering to work on a maritime emissions capture and control project.
As part of their collaboration, the Port of Hueneme and STAX Engineering will deploy the emissions capture and control system which consists of mobile floating barges that can place filters on ocean-going vessel stacks and filter out harmful emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
This effort is a direct response to mitigate impacts due to the damage incurred to Port’s Shoreside Power system last December during the major storm that flooded Port Hueneme.
Said to be the first of its kind, the system was developed by STAX Engineering to tackle air pollution from ships while at berth.
It is designed to envelop a vessel’s smokestack capturing particulate matter and NOx emissions directly at the source. STAX explained that the system does not require modifications to vessels and does not disrupt vessel operations.
In addition, the floating barge is powered by renewable diesel, with its cleaned exhaust stream meeting the health-protective standards required by CARB and aligning with the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to sustainability.
“One of the most important aspects of STAX technology is that it breaks fleet operator dependence on the local grid. Shore power isn’t always available due to factors like major storms, limited outlet access, and vessel incompatibility. Our solution addresses these challenges, providing an easy, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution that solves the at-berth regulation requirements for ports like the Port of Hueneme. We are grateful for their partnership and excited about the positive impact we will achieve together,” said STAX Engineering CEO Mike Walker .
“We’re thrilled to partner with STAX Engineering on this transformative project. The emissions capture and control system exemplifies our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, which is in our Port DNA, and highlights the flexibility of the Port’s response to finding new solutions in the maritime industry,” commented Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director, Port of Hueneme.
In 2022, the Port of Hueneme received $10.4 million in funding from Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to help build shoreside power plug-in infrastructure on its North Terminal.