The Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland (Source: Port Technology)

The Port of Oakland set a new record for shore power usage in the first half of the year, with the Port of Oakland’s grid-connected rate averaging 94% in the first half of 2024.
By comparison, the shore power connection rate for all of 2023 was 85%.

“Shore power is the single most effective way to reduce vessel emissions when a ship is in port,” said Colleen Liang, Director of Environmental Planning and Programs at the Port of Oakland. “We appreciate the ship owners retrofitting their vessels for shore power. We also thank the terminal operators for coordinating and providing labor to physically plug in the ships that call Oakland.”

Shore power is when a ship is docked and connected to the grid at the pier, the Port of Oakland explains, and this allows the ship to turn off its diesel engines, resulting in near-zero emissions while at anchor.

In May, the California port achieved a record 99% ship connection rate. Shore power utilization has remained above 91% since November 2023. The Port of Oakland is constantly maintaining and improving its shore power system, so it is always ready to provide power when a ship is in port.

The Port of Oakland continues to invest in improving shore power and plans to install portable shore power outlets in the future. This new technology will allow ships more flexibility in connecting at the pier.