International Transportation Services Inc. (ITS), 'K' Line's marine terminal subsidiary based in Long Beach, Calif., has entered into a 20-year lease with the Port of Long Beach that focuses on shore powering and other terminal efficiencies.
As part of the new agreement, over the next six years ITS will phase in shore powering capabilities built by the port, while 'K' Line will invest in the technology to equip the vessels for shore powering. The line estimates that the total investment into outfitting its ships will reach $20m. Initially 5 of its vessels will be outfitted to shift to shore power, but ultimately all ships calling at ITS will embrace shore powering capability.
Shore powering allows vessels to shut down their auxiliary power motors while at berth, which in turn reduces stack exhaust emissions into the local atmosphere. ITS will also shift fuel usage of yard equipment to verified emulsified "clean" diesel fuels and will further upgrade the engine standards of yard handling equipment, in order to achieve maximum air emissions reductions.
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