Port of Long Beach prepares for clean marine fuels future

The Port of Long Beach, a critical hub handling 20% of U.S. containerized trade, is positioning itself as a key player in the shift to clean marine fuels, a move critical to decarbonizing an industry responsible for 3% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. A December 2024 white paper outlines the port’s current initiatives and highlights the role it could play in adopting fuels like renewable liquefied natural gas, green hydrogen, green ammonia, biofuels, and green methanol.

Among its efforts, the port supports cleaner shipping through its Green Ship Incentive Program and collaboration with the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems. It is also a participant in global Green Shipping Corridor initiatives to establish low- or zero-emission trade routes. However, large-scale infrastructure to support these fuels remains in the early stages, with storage and handling requirements for hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol posing significant challenges. For instance, hydrogen requires cryogenic storage and significantly more space than conventional fuels, while ammonia’s toxicity and corrosiveness demand advanced safety measures.

Despite these hurdles, the white paper notes that biofuels offer a near-term solution with minimal engine modifications required, while green methanol and renewable LNG are gaining traction as scalable alternatives. The port’s ability to build infrastructure, incentivize adoption, and collaborate with stakeholders could enable it to lead this transition. By addressing costs, safety, and supply chain readiness, the Port of Long Beach aims to play an essential role in the industry’s decarbonization and set a model for sustainable shipping worldwide.

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