Husky Terminal & Stevedoring, a major Port of Tacoma terminal operator, recently began using biodiesel fuel for all diesel-operated vehicles and container handling equipment.
According to Husky Assistant Vice President Steve Bassett, his company has always embraced opportunities to make a positive difference for the community.
“While the cargo activity at our terminal brings great economic benefits to this region, we also want to reduce the negative impacts of our activity as much as possible,” said Bassett, whose terminal has served Japan-based “K” Line in Tacoma since 1988. “One of the ways we found we could achieve this was making the voluntary switch to biodiesel.”
Cindy Lin, the Port’s Manager of Environmental Compliance, works with Port customers to manage the switch to lower emission fuels. Husky’s switch to the cleaner-burning, vegetable based biodiesel, says Lin, is reducing the emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. By blending biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), a terminal operator can reduce sulfur oxides by as much as 99 percent, compared to standard diesel fuel.
“Biodiesel performs like petroleum diesel, but it produces significantly less air pollution,” she said, noting that each of Husky’s 31 yard tractors and all cargo handling equipment is now running on a biodiesel/low sulfur diesel blend. “Biodiesel is produced from a biodegradable, renewable resource, and it is safer for our environment.”
“Biodiesel performs like petroleum diesel, but it produces significantly less air pollution,” she said, noting that each of Husky’s 31 yard tractors and all cargo handling equipment is now running on a biodiesel/low sulfur diesel blend. “Biodiesel is produced from a biodegradable, renewable resource, and it is safer for our environment.”
Prior to making its voluntary switch to biodiesel, Husky used approximately 11,200 gallons of low-sulfur diesel fuel per month. According to Bassett, Husky will begin using a 20 percent blend of biodiesel with low-sulfur diesel and plans to increase that blend to 40 percent biodiesel by this summer.
The benefits of moving to biodiesel, says Bassett, are apparent: According to a recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the reduction of diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions can make a positive impact on public health.
“We applaud Husky and the Port of Tacoma for taking this significant step to advance the use of biofuels and reduce emissions from port operations,” said Dennis McLerran, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “This kind of leadership demonstrates to others the viability of making the switch to clean, alternative fuels.”
Port Commissioner R. Ted Bottiger also commented on Husky’s leadership. “Our community benefits greatly from the jobs and economic development generated by maritime commerce at the Port of Tacoma. I congratulate Husky for making this voluntary decision because we all deserve to breathe clean air.”
Husky’s decision to use biodiesel is the latest in a number of initiatives by the Port of Tacoma and its customers to make immediate, tangible reductions in diesel fuel emissions. These initiatives include: *
- The Port of Tacoma in 2005 purchased and installed EPAverified diesel oxidation catalysts on 30 straddle carriers. The Port also began using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) in Port-operated equipment. In combination with the catalysts, total PM emissions were reduced up to 50 percent per vehicle. *
- The Port initiated an automobile purchase policy to replace retiring Port-owned vehicles with new gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. These hybrid vehicles travel approximately 50 miles per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. *
- The Port Maintenance Department staff is conducting a biodiesel pilot test project to determine operating efficiency on straddle carriers and other Port-operated equipment. * The Evergreen Group, the leaseholder at Pierce County Terminal, was the first Port customer to mandate the use of ULSD. Today, four of the Port of Tacoma’s six container terminals use ULSD. *
- Brownfield conversion projects have significantly reduced the air quality impact from industrial sources. The closure of the Kaiser Aluminum Smelter and subsequent purchase by the Port of Tacoma eliminated 149 tons of particulate matter emissions, 121 tons of sulfur oxide emissions and 21 tons of ammonia emissions per year.
- Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) commissioned new roll-on/roll-off vessels powered by diesel-electric motors that achieve 30 percent better fuel efficiency and significantly reduce emissions. This customer also implemented the “Paperless Gate” that uses radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology to reduce truck gate congestion.
- The Evergreen Group purchased lighter straddle carriers that use 30 percent less fuel and equipped the entire new cargo handling fleet with new Tier II, fuel-efficient engines.
- Of the Port of Tacoma’s 54 forklifts, 22 are powered by propane, a clean fuel.
- Low sulfur diesel is used in the locomotives for switching operations at the Port.
- The first of Evergreen’s “green” ships is now calling in Tacoma. In addition to numerous other environmentally friendly design features, the vessels produce less diesel emissions.
The Port of Tacoma is also a participant and a funding partner in the Puget Sound Marine Emissions Inventory project. Managed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the group – consisting of Puget Sound ports, maritime industry representatives, non-profit organizations and local government – works collaboratively to: ?
- Build greater technical understanding of maritime-related air emissions and their impacts on public health and the environment, starting with preparation of a high-quality maritime air emissions inventory; ?
- Support implementation of cost-effective maritime air pollution control strategies by sharing expertise and resources and building partnerships when activities require the cooperation of multiple organizations for success; and ?
- Contribute to the West Coast Diesel Emissions Reduction Collaborative — a public-private partnership working to reduce air pollution emissions from diesel sources along the West Coast. The Collaborative is part of an overall national campaign to reduce diesel emissions.