The Port of San Diego was recognized on an international stage after being awarded the 2025 Green Port Award at the Green World Awards, presented during the Breakbulk Europe Conference on May 13. The award celebrates the Port’s commitment to maritime sustainability and its leadership in implementing clean air strategies and zero-emission (ZE) technologies across its operations.
The recognition comes as a result of the Port’s ambitious Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), which has driven measurable progress toward reducing emissions and improving air quality around San Diego Bay. To date, the Port and its partners have committed over $227 million to ZE projects that are reshaping the region’s maritime infrastructure and operations.
“We are honored to be recognized globally among our industry peers as environmental champions and pioneers in maritime sustainability,” said Danielle Moore, Chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “This award is a testament to the collaboration between Port staff, government agencies, industry leaders, and the community as we work together to protect San Diego Bay for future generations.”
Several milestone projects contributed to the Port earning the award, including the deployment of North America’s first all-electric mobile harbor cranes and the launch of a solar-powered microgrid at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. That microgrid delivers 700 kilowatts of solar power and includes a 2,700-kilowatt-hour battery storage system, designed to support the terminal’s energy demands with renewable energy.
Another standout achievement is Crowley Marine’s all-electric tugboat, the first of its kind in the United States. This zero-emission vessel now services San Diego Bay and supports the Port’s ZE objectives. Additional efforts include the expansion of shore power for cruise and cargo vessels, the transition to renewable diesel across all fueling docks in the Bay, and the reinvestment of four percent of maritime revenue into community-based air quality improvement projects.
The Port’s sustainability efforts are the result of cross-departmental collaboration, with key roles played by the Port’s Maritime and Operations, Sustainability and Innovation, and Government and Public Relations teams. The Port also works closely with tenants and service providers such as Dole Fresh Fruit Company, SSA Marine, Terminalift, and The Pasha Group to implement green infrastructure and electrify cargo-handling equipment.
The award highlights not only technological innovation but also the Port’s focus on community engagement and reinvestment. These accomplishments will be showcased during the Port’s annual Green Port Month celebration in September, a campaign that raises awareness about local environmental efforts and reinforces the Port’s long-term vision for a sustainable waterfront.
Presented as part of the Breakbulk Green World Awards program, the Green Port Award specifically honors ports and terminals that demonstrate a commitment to environmentally responsible practices within the maritime and logistics industries. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges comprised of sustainability experts and industry professionals from around the world.
As the Port of San Diego continues to lead by example in advancing maritime decarbonization, this international recognition underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and accountability in shaping the future of sustainable shipping.
