Container terminals are the logistical heart of global trade, but they’re also energy-intensive, traditionally relying on diesel and fossil-based electricity. Today, many ports are pivoting toward sustainability. This shift not only reduces environmental impact, but boosts efficiency, resilience, and community health.

Keep reading to explore how terminals use renewables and innovative tech to power a greener logistics future with Long Beach Container Terminal!

Electrification of Cargo-Handling Equipment

Swapping diesel cranes, trucks, and forklifts for electric alternatives is one of the biggest shifts toward clean energy:

  • Electric ship-to-shore cranes and yard vehicles cut direct emissions at the source.
  • New advanced equipment paired with electrification improves turnaround time and lowers noise.

Consider switching to electric handling equipment to cut emissions and boost efficiency at your terminal.

Integrating On-Site Renewable Energy

Installing solar panels or small wind turbines on terminal property helps terminals produce the clean energy they consume:

  • Even 1–2% on-site solar, when scaled, can significantly reduce dependency on grid electricity.
  • Coupled with battery storage, renewables support operations during power outages.

Solar panels have been installed over parking areas to boost the grid with green power.

Shore Power: Clean Power Meets Cold-Ironing

“Cold-ironing” enables ships to plug into shore power, minimizing diesel use while docked:

  • Provides emissions-free power for refrigerated containers and lighting.
  • In combination with clean grid electricity, the benefits multiply.

Every berth at LBCT has shore power built directly into the dock.

Building Grid Resilience with Storage

Electrified terminals demand a stable, reliable power supply:

  • Partnering with utilities ensures a carbon-light grid.
  • On-site batteries fill the gaps during outages.

We have worked directly with our utilities to power our terminal while mitigating carbon

creation.

Comprehensive Net-Zero Roadmaps

As a leading terminal, LBCT now follows a full-scale emissions plan:

  • Readiness: Replace diesel with zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and install charging infrastructure.
  • Resilience: Secure renewable grid electricity, increase on-site production, storage.
  • Regeneration: Change supply-chain emissions and invest in offsets or bioenergy.

When creating your own Net-Zero roadmap, you can count on LBCT as a clean partner in your supply chain.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Sustainability goes beyond terminals; it includes workforce training, supporting local communities, and fostering industry partnerships:

  • Grants help fund infrastructure and workforce initiatives.
  • Ports host forums to involve community, carriers, and clean-tech innovators.

LBCT is a proud participant in green-port events and workforce programs to build better relationships with local stakeholders.

Long Beach Container Terminal’s Green Transformation

Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) exemplifies this green transformation:

  • Adopted the Net Zero 2030 Climate Action Plan featuring electrification and infrastructure investments 
  • 67% of handling equipment is already zero-emission; $200M plan includes renewable installations and partnerships with Southern California Edison 

Why This Matters for You

  • Cleaner Air & Healthier Communities: Reduced diesel exhaust means better outcomes for nearby residents.
  • Financial Incentives: Grants and green financing help offset the cost 
  • Competitive Advantage: Shippers favor greener terminals, meaning sustainability can translate to business growth 

Action Steps

  • Map out net-zero roadmaps.
  • Replace diesel equipment with electric alternatives.
  • Invest in on-site renewables and robust energy storage.
  • Tie into shore power and greener grids.
  • Engage with community, workforce, carriers, and utilities.

Start planning your partnership with a clean container-terminal today. Reach out to us to learn how we can be a valued partner in the community, and in your supply chain.

Harnessing Renewable Energy with LBCT

Long Beach Container Terminal isn’t just going green; it’s leading the charge. With our ambitious Net Zero 2030 plan, massive investments in electrification, on-site renewables, and grid resilience, LBCT has achieved an 85–86% emissions drop, scored 96% on ESG benchmarks, and set a new standard for port sustainability. Are you ready to partner with a terminal that prioritizes efficiency, clean energy, and community impact? 

Contact us at Long Beach Container Terminal today to join the mission for a greener global supply chain.