Zero Emission Locomotives – How One CA Port Is Moving the Needle

Abstract: The Ports of Long Beach (POLB) and Los Angeles (POLA) adopted a Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) in 2006 to reduce air emissions. Recently, the Harbor Commissions have set new zero emission goals for year 2035, for port drayage trucks, and 2030, for container handling equipment. Statewide, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and in Southern California, the local air regulatory agency, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), have adopted rules and commenced rulemaking to further restrict air emissions from mobile sources like rail locomotives. Agencies such as the US EPA and US DOT have been awarding grants to incentivize development of zero-emissions equipment. Zero emissions (ZE) infrastructure has been installed and is going through testing. Battery-electric-powered marine terminal equipment, transit bus equipment, and hydrogen fuel cells, are now becoming a reality. ZE Locomotive technology is not yet as far advanced. Ongoing demonstration locomotive trials have been underway with Class 1 and short lines in the US and Canada.
Meanwhile, the Port of Long Beach has begun construction on the Pier B On-Dock Support Facility (ODRSF). This $1.6B brownfield railyard and supporting infrastructure will assist the Port to meet its goal of increasing on-dock intermodal rail cargo movement share. Benefits from constructing the yard also include improved logistics, reduction of local truck traffic, and reduction in air emissions. A key feature of the new railyard, is a locomotive refueling facility designed to stage and refuel up to 35 locomotives at a time, set to break ground in 2024. The refueling facility was originally conceived for refueling locomotives via diesel tanker fuel truck.
Given recent regulatory changes, the Port’s zero emission goals, and a commitment to review technology every 5 years, POLB commissioned a study to review the current state of the ZE locomotive technology, readiness of various alternatives, and likely infrastructure needs for adoption. This paper will provide a brief overview of the program and locomotive facility, the findings for current market readiness of ZE locomotive options, how the program is accommodating for future technology, and recommended next steps.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: Across the US, communities are moving away from fossil fuels. This has the benefit of lessening harmful impacts to local communities and reducing Greenhouse gas emissions. Ports are reviewing future use of transport equipment and planning conversions to electrification, decarbonization, and other alternatives such as hydrogen fuels. ZE locomotives are an emerging technology. It has technical challenges requiring years of testing prototype engines, operating scenarios, refueling, and maintenance requirements. Given the ambitious zero-emissions goals, this paper can provide port and intermodal rail operators an opportunity to review large scale practical considerations for refueling ZE locomotives.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Yes. The ZE Locomotive Study provides a technology review of the status of both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology and readiness. It further reviews refueling methods and challenges specific to geometrical constraints. It also provides some conceptual alternatives for both hydrogen refueling and electrical recharging facilities and how the Pier B ODRSF is prepared to adopt either technology.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: To maintain the overall Program schedule, the locomotive facility will begin construction in 2024. There are uncertainties related to fire department regulations, updated codes and standards, physical site constraints, and evolving technology. Despite this, the facility site layout has flexibility to incorporate change as it occurs and additional infrastructure planned to minimize operational disruptions and reconstruction. Making final decisions about the specific ZE delivery systems (truck, pipeline, tanks, and infrastructure) at this stage will invite mistakes.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: Seaport planners and engineers, Class 1 and short line railroads, environmental scientists, marine terminal operators, intermodal yard operators, technology and equipment suppliers, policy- and decision-makers.