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C-PORT: The Commercialization of Port of Long Beach Off-Road Technology Demonstration Project

The C-PORT Project was the first grant-funded, zero-emissions (ZE) human-operated cargo-handling equipment (CHE) demonstration at the Port of Long Beach. In partnership with SSA Marine and Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT), the project deployed three battery-electric top handlers, one battery-electric yard tractor, and supporting charging infrastructure at the Pier E and Pier J terminals. Funded by the 2016–2017 Off-Road Advanced Technology Demonstration Program, C-PORT tested the performance of precommercial ZE CHE in demanding, real-world conditions. The project also emphasized workforce development, community outreach, and data analysis—ensuring broad stakeholder engagement in the Port’s clean technology transition. This pilot set a precedent for ZE innovation in one of the nation’s busiest port complexes.

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

Three battery-electric top handlers developed by Taylor Machine Works and BYD:
  • One top handler was deployed at Pier E and two top handlers were deployed at Pier J
  • 931 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack
  • One 200 kW BYD charging station per top handler
One battery-electric yard truck developed by Kalmar Global and TransPower:
  • 154 kWh LiFePO4 battery pack
  • 70 kW charging station
  • Deployed at Pier E

Lessons Learned:

  • End-users prefer electric equipment due to reduced noise, friction, fumes, and emissions.
  • Close coordination between OEMs and end-users on specifications and duty cycles is critical to ensure the equipment meets operational needs.
  • Designing equipment to closely resemble traditional diesel units helps improve operator comfort and acceptance
  • When developing schedules, project planners should account for long lead times in early infrastructure deployment.
  • Engaging the local community, disadvantaged communities (DACs), workforce, and educational institutions is essential to support and sustain the zero-emissions transition.

Status Updates:

  • Yard tractor placed in service at LBCT, Q3 2019
  • Top handlers placed in service at SSA and LBCT, Q1 2020
  • Demonstration completed Q3 2021

Technology:


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Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

View Final Report

Project Facts​

  • DATES: May 2018 – Summer 2021
  • GRANTEE: Port of Long Beach
  • PARTNERS: BYD Motors; California State University, Long Beach’s Center for International Trade and Transport; Green Education; the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU); Kalmar Global; Long Beach City College; Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT); Long Beach Unified School District Cabrillo High School’s Academy of Global Logistics (AG); Momentum, SSA Marine, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Taylor Machine Works International (Taylor); Transportation Power (TransPower)—later acquired by Meritor; Tetra Tech; UCR College of Engineering’s – Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT)
  • GRANT NO.: G16-DEMO-03

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $5,249,820
  • Matching Funds: $2,534,266
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $7,784,086

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