Port of San Diego celebrates significant progress of Maritime Clean Air Strategy

The Port of San Diego has implemented and is making significant progress on 80 percent of the objectives outlined in its Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), according to the latest MCAS Highlights Report. These efforts have led to notable decreases in emissions related to maritime operations. Since the last air inventory conducted in 2019, Port maritime operations have seen a 46 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter, 32 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides, and a 10 percent decrease in carbon dioxide.

"All of us at the Port of San Diego are excited to see the Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) delivering results,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Over the last four years, our staff and partners have leaned into MCAS and are advancing cleaner air and better public health in our portside communities. The investment and deployment of new, zero-emission technologies show we can grow the economy while safeguarding the people we serve.”

In support of its “Health Equity for All” vision, the MCAS identifies projects and initiatives to improve environmental and public health through cleaner air for all who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay while also supporting efficient and modern maritime operations.

To date, the Port of San Diego and its partners have committed more than $227 million for maritime electrification and efficiency efforts. This includes:

• $83.4 million – Tenant and service providers’ electric equipment and commercial harbor craft
• $27.7 million – Port electric vehicles and equipment
• $75.5 million – Infrastructure upgrades at Port of San Diego cargo and cruise terminals
• $18.5 million – Freight efficiency along Harbor Drive
• $20.8 million – Clean Truck Program
• $900,000 – Community Outreach and Workforce Development

The successful implementation of many MCAS initiatives has positioned the Port of San Diego and its tenants to attract millions of dollars in grants and investment from the state and federal government. Most recently, the Port aggressively pursued and was awarded a $58.6 million EPA grant that also includes a $27.7 million match, totaling $86.3 million total. The grant supports:

• Electrical upgrades at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal to support equipment charging infrastructure and shore power for commercial harbor craft and oceangoing vessels.
• Advance zero-emissions truck charging infrastructure.
• The purchase and deployment of 77 new pieces of zero-emission technology, including heavy-duty trucks, shuttle vans, and cargo handling equipment.

In addition to zero-emission infrastructure and equipment upgrades, the MCAS also focuses on community engagement through the continuation of the award-winning Portside Community Academy. Developed in 2023, the Portside Community Academy provides structured education on maritime-related air quality projects pursued by the Port. To date, the Academy has graduated nearly 150 participants from six cohorts. Two more cohorts are expected to graduate this fall, with two additional cohorts planned for spring 2026.