SSA Terminals LLC has announced the deployment of 33 new zero-emissions battery-electric yard tractors at the Port of Long Beach.

The new cargo-handling tractors are set to replace traditional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

According to the Port of Long Beach, the new machines will increase the site's zero-emission equipment to 20%, with expected increases in the future.

The operation was run by SSA Terminals LLC, a joint venture between SSA Marine and Matson Navigation Company and features $50m funding from the California Air Resources Board.

Through collaboration with equipment manufacturers, SSA Terminals constructed machinery that could endure the rigours of a full workday on the docks. With a once-per-day opportunity charge, the equipment may perform a two-shift operation.

Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach CEO emphasised the benefits of the collaboration at the port.

Cordero said: “Meeting our aggressive zero-emissions goals is not possible without the support of our partners, and this project is just another example of the shared commitment at the Port of Long Beach to a zero-emissions future.”

“I’d especially like to thank SSA Terminals for leading zero-emissions efforts at Pier C, Southern California Edison for prioritizing zero-emissions infrastructure projects and CARB for the funding to make these types of projects possible.”

The operation features California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Terminals Accelerating Regional Transformation (START) project which aims to strengthen economies and reduce emissions.

A US Environmental Protection Agency Targeted Airshed Grant offered additional funds for the equipment.

Matt Cox, Matson Chairman and CEO added: “We are excited to see the Port of Long Beach moving in this direction, consistent with Matson’s goals of achieving a 40% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas fleet emissions by 2030 and net zero GHG emissions by 2050”.

The Port of Long Beach added how the new tractors will speed up Pier C's transition to zero-emissions operations.