SAN DIEGO — The Port of San Diego says it has implemented or made significant progress on 80% of the actions in its Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), delivering sharp cuts in ship- and cargo-related pollution, according to a new MCAS Highlights Report. Since the last air inventory in 2019, port-related operations have recorded a 46% reduction in diesel particulate matter, 32% in nitrogen oxides, and a 10% drop 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.”
Framed by the Port’s “Health Equity for All” vision, MCAS lays out projects to cut emissions while keeping maritime operations efficient and modern. To date, the Port and its partners have committed more than $227 million toward electrification and efficiency, including:
- $83.4 million for tenant and service-provider electric equipment and commercial harbor craft
- $27.7 million for Port electric vehicles and equipment
- $75.5 million for infrastructure upgrades at cargo and cruise terminals
- $18.5 million for freight efficiency along Harbor Drive
- $20.8 million for the Clean Truck Program
- $900,000 for community outreach and workforce development
Momentum has also helped the Port win new funding. Most recently, San Diego secured a $58.6 million EPA grant, matched by $27.7 million in local funds, for a total of $86.3 million to accelerate zero-emission deployment. The package supports:
- Electrical upgrades at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal to expand equipment charging and shore power for commercial harbor craft and oceangoing vessels
- Advanced charging infrastructure for zero-emission trucks
- Purchase and deployment of 77 zero-emission units, including heavy-duty trucks, shuttle vans, and cargo-handling equipment
Beyond hardware, the Port continues investing in community engagement through its award-winning Portside Community Academy, launched in 2023 to demystify air-quality and clean-maritime projects. Nearly 150 participants have completed six cohorts to date; two more are slated to graduate this fall, with two additional cohorts planned for spring 2026.
Port officials said the combined approach — shore power expansion, zero-emission equipment, cleaner trucks, and community education — is designed to keep emissions falling as cargo volumes rebound, while ensuring neighborhoods around San Diego Bay share the benefits.
For more on the Maritime Clean Air Strategy and the full Highlights Report, visit portofsandiego.org/mcas.
