Posted on November 4, 2024
The Port of Virginia will receive $390 million in federal funding for its effort to be carbon-neutral by 2040.
Funding will come from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, which was created by the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. The agency distributed about $3 billion among 55 locations, and the program aims to reduce diesel pollution, build zero-emission operations and create community engagement at ports across the country.
Project implementation from the grant funding will occur over the next 3-4 four years, depending on the project, in 27 states and territories. The proposed projects include over 1,500 units of cargo handling equipment, 1,000 drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels, according to the EPA.
U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott sent a letter in support for the port’s award, and funds from the grant will support climate and air quality planning. Funds can also purchase battery-electric and hydrogen-powered port equipment. According to the Port of Virginia, the grant money will be used to buy and install electric assets and equipment while retiring an “extensive” amount of legacy equipment powered by engines that burn gasoline or diesel fuel.
“The Port of Virginia is one of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard, and it’s critical to Virginia’s economy and offshore wind industry,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “As the Port of Virginia continues to grow thanks to investments we’re making, we must also ensure we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which result in negative health and environmental impacts for our communities.”
More than 150 pieces of equipment such as specialized cranes for rail operations and container yards, forklifts, shuttle carriers for moving containers, electric locomotives, on-terminal trucks and shuttle buses will be replaced, the port said in a news release. Old equipment will be scrapped for recycling. Funding will also go toward developing the port’s battery charging infrastructure and energy storage for expanding zero-emissions operations in Norfolk and in Richmond.
“This is an investment in the people working at our terminals, who will see first-hand the benefits of this modern, sustainable equipment,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, in a statement. “Our integrated approach to sustainability and efficiency is designed to advance opportunities for our workforce and our host communities.
“We are building the US East Coast’s most modern gateway and this is accelerating economic development and workforce enrichment to ensure that Virginia is not just prepared for, but ahead of the future.”
In January, the port announced that it was operating more than 100 electric stacking cranes, four electric rail cranes and 27 electric ship-to-shore cranes, with plans to add more with its projects at the North Berth at Norfolk International Terminals. The port has also announced another $220 million investment in the development of the US East Coast’s first offshore wind logistics hub in Portsmouth at Portsmouth Marine Terminal. It will support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, which is off the coast of Virginia Beach.
Edwards said the port wants to be a responsible neighbor and reduce pollution effects on community members who live near operations.
“This grant is truly transformative for our port and our community,” Edwards said. “It will make our operations more efficient and sustainable, enhance our capabilities and allow us to continue making strides toward becoming the US East Coast’s first net-zero port.”
