Shore power (a.k.a cold-ironing or AMP) is a very effective strategy for controling auxiliary engine emissions while the vessel is at berth. Significant emission reductions can be achieved by replacing the use of the ship’s auxiliary engines with plugging in to shore power. The Ports are currently developing the necessary infrastructure for vessels to begin plugging in and are placing requirements into leases to use the infrastructure (CAAP Measure OGV2). In addition, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted a statewide regulation requiring container, cruise, and reefer vessels to use shore power while in port.

Other technologies are being explored as alternatives for controlling at-berth emissions for vessels where shore power may not be appropriate. One such example, which is being demonstrated at the Metropolitan Stevedore Company in the Port of Long Beach, is the Advanced Maritime Emissions Control Systems (AMECS). This is system captures the ship’s exhaust and treats it onshore. This technology demonstration is currently being coordinated with the Ports through the Technology Advancement Program to ensure that emissions reductions can be verified by the regulatory agencies.