The Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) at Middle Harbor uses “nearly all electric and zero-emissions equipment, the Port of Long Beach said in a press release today.

The port itself is the second-busiest in the United States. Some $200 billion worth of cargo moves through the port every year.

This new port is aimed at improving cargo flow and enhancing air quality as the area undergoes significant growth.

“We are proud to have one of the greenest ports in America in the Port of Long Beach,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “The completion of this new terminal is a testament to our city’s continued commitment to sustainability and green technology.”

Part of the terminal opened in 2016 following the conclusion of Phase 1 with 151 acres of terminal space. Phase 2 concluded the following year which brought the terminal to 191 acres. Now, with phase 3 complete, the project is finally finished with 300 acres and includes a container yard, an administrative building, and an “on-dock rail yard designed to handle 1.1 million [twenty-foot equivalent unit] annually to minimize truck traffic on local roads and freeways.”

The press release further notes that “14 of the most modern ship-to-shore gantry cranes line a new, 4,200-foot-long concrete wharf capable of welcoming three massive ships at once.”

In 2025 there will be even more expansion to the terminal, adding three acres for what’s called the North Gate Expansion.

When ships arrive at the terminal, they’ll be able to plug into shore power connections which will enable them to shut down their diesel engines and connect to the electrical grid.

Increased trade at the terminal “is generating 14,000 permanent new jobs” in the area, according to the press release.

“As the world’s first all-electric, zero-emission mega terminal, LBCT sets the industry standard for moving cargo sustainably while keeping the Port competitive and supporting vital jobs,” Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach, said. “It is truly a technological marvel that will allow us to increase our throughput, improve air quality and maintain our status as a leading gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”