Port of Oakland selects electric cargo handling equipment

Two all-electric top picks are operating at the Californian port, as part of a demonstration project to create a zero-emissions seaport. The port of Oakland has joined a select group of seaports to operate the green technology equipment.

Top picks are heavy-duty vehicles with off-road capabilities and have an overhead boom used for loading containers weighing up to 100,000 pounds onto trucks and trains and stacking the containers in terminal storage yards.

"We’re excited to demonstrate this zero-emissions, cargo handling equipment," commented Danny Wan, executive director of the Port of Oakland.

He added, "Our goal is to reduce emissions from our maritime operations to create a healthier environment for everyone."

This demonstration project is part of the Zero- And Near-Zero-Emission Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) program, which is funded by the California Climate Investments (CCI) program.

CCI puts ‘cap and trade’ revenues to work by investing in projects whose purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, improve public health and the environment, and invest in disadvantaged communities.

The Port of Oakland partnered with the ports of Long Beach and Stockton, marine terminal operators, vessel operators and technology providers in order to bring the top picks to Oakland.

The deployment of the zero-emissions top picks builds upon the Port of Oakland’s and its maritime industry partners’, large-scale emissions reduction initiative launched in 2009.