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Catalina Express, Harbor Breeze Cruises, and Port of Los Angeles Join Forces to Advance Zero-Emission Harbor Craft Technology

Catalina Express, Harbor Breeze Cruises, and the Port of Los Angeles have come together in an ambitious effort to advance zero-emission harbor craft technology. With a $31 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the partnership aims to design, build, and evaluate innovative emission-reduction technologies for passenger ferries and excursion boats. This project, known as the Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction (LA MER) initiative, represents a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a cleaner, more sustainable maritime industry.

Katherine M. Clements

The LA MER project will bring together cutting-edge technology and practical applications to pave the way for greener harbor craft. CARB Chair Liane Randolph expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential to protect communities near ports and drive the future of cleaner marine vessels. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of incorporating diverse emission-reduction strategies across the port complex while encouraging commercialization of these technologies. Together, these partners are setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in the maritime sector.

The project will focus on two key demonstration efforts. Catalina Express, a company with a long-standing commitment to sustainability, will lead the development of a new passenger ferry. Equipped with Tier 4 engines and potentially a CARB-verified diesel particulate filter, this ferry will also run on renewable diesel. It will replace three older ferries, improving operational efficiency while significantly reducing emissions. Catalina Express CEO Greg Bombard highlighted the company’s proactive environmental practices, which include transitioning most of their fleet to renewable diesel derived from sustainable sources such as soybean oil and vegetable stocks. The new vessel, made possible through the CARB grant and partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, will further their mission of environmental advancement while maintaining affordable and essential ferry services for residents and visitors of Catalina Island.

Harbor Breeze Cruises will undertake a complementary effort to develop two zero-emission capable excursion boats. These vessels are expected to operate at least 30% of the time in zero-emission mode, with some trips reaching full zero-emission operation depending on route length and other factors. Capt. Dan Salas, founder and owner of Harbor Breeze Cruises, reflected on his career at the Port of Los Angeles and expressed pride in contributing to this transformative project. He commended the forward-thinking approach of the San Pedro Bay ports in addressing both local and global environmental challenges.

In addition to testing these advanced technologies, the LA MER project will include a detailed evaluation of their feasibility and commercial readiness. The study will identify infrastructure gaps for zero-emission harbor craft, explore the potential for integrating advanced battery-electric solutions, and assess workforce development needs. Preparing maritime workers to operate and maintain these new technologies will be a critical component of the project, ensuring a smooth transition to cleaner, more sustainable operations.

Financial support from all stakeholders underscores the importance of this initiative. Both Catalina Express and Harbor Breeze Cruises have committed $15 million each toward their respective demonstration programs. The Port of Los Angeles has allocated $650,000 for the evaluation study, and the Port of Long Beach will contribute $340,000 to support the technology assessment in collaboration with various partners, including regulators, engine manufacturers, and the U.S. Coast Guard. These contributions demonstrate a shared commitment to reducing emissions and advancing the maritime industry toward a zero-emission future.

The LA MER project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program funded by Cap-and-Trade dollars that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the economy and improving public health. By focusing on innovative marine technology, the initiative reflects California’s leadership in addressing climate change and its dedication to improving the quality of life in disadvantaged communities.

As the project progresses, the partnership between Catalina Express, Harbor Breeze Cruises, and the Port of Los Angeles will not only drive technological innovation but also set an example for ports worldwide. By combining practical solutions with bold environmental goals, this initiative highlights the potential for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for maritime transportation. With the support of CARB and the broader community, these efforts are poised to make a lasting impact on both the environment and the industry.

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