Port of San Diego to deploy bonnet system by Jan 2025 to curb carbon emissions
- Published
by Admin
Port of San Diego on Thursday (May 19) said it will deploy a system to control and capture cargo vessel emissions, also known as a bonnet.
The bonnet will be available for use by cargo vessels that aren’t yet equipped to connect to shore power.
In support of the Port’s new Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), the Board of Port Commissioners has approved an agreement with Clean Air Engineering – Maritime, Inc. (CAEM) to design, build, and operate a barge-based emissions control and capture system, also known as the Marine Exhaust Treatment System (METS), which will be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
For vessels that aren’t yet shore power compatible, the METS places a bonnet over the vessel’s stack to capture and treat exhaust while the ship is at berth. CARB requires the exhaust treatment to be equivalent to electric power at berth.
CAEM has received CARB approval on similar technologies that remove over 95% of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide.
Shore power allows vessels to plug-in to shore-based electricity so they don’t have to run their diesel engines while at berth.
Having a bonnet in addition to shore power at the Port of San Diego’s cargo terminals – one at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and one coming soon at the National City Marine Terminal – will help to further reduce certain air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter.
“The bonnet will give some of our cargo carriers a great option in reducing their air quality impacts while they work to transition their vessels to being shore power compatible,” said Chairman Dan Malcolm, Board of Port Commissioners.
“This is another example of how we can maintain and grow our maritime business – and protect jobs – while also improving air quality and quality of life for all who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay.”
“The Port of San Diego is aggressively pursuing every mitigation measure available to ensure the highest air quality of any port community. We are proud to work with the Port and provide our years of experience in this public- private partnership,” said Nick Tonsich, President of Clean Air Engineering – Maritime.
The bonnet system supports the Port’s MCAS “Health Equity for All” vision – specifically, the goal to reduce emissions from ocean-going vessels.
Additionally, CARB regulations require that auto carrier vessels reduce emissions while at-berth at California seaports beginning in 2025 by utilising either shore power or bonnet technology.
The Port’s National City Marine Terminal primarily processes automobile imports.
The total cost of the project is approximately $11.5 million, with the Port directing $4.9 million in grant funds received from the California Transportation Commission (CTC). CAEM is covering the rest.
The bonnet system is anticipated to be operational by January 1, 2025.
Photo credit: Port of San Diego
Published: 23 May, 2022
