SSA Marine has made a significant stride in clean energy at the Port of Los Angeles by transitioning its entire fleet of forklifts at Berth 55 to electric power. This marks the company's first terminal to operate entirely with zero-emissions cargo handling equipment. The terminal, which handles imported fruit from South America, has been operated by SSA Marine since the 1980s.

The fleet at Berth 55 includes 44 Hyster forklifts, consisting of 12 heavy-duty 10,000 lb. models and 32 3,000 lb. models. All of these forklifts have now been converted to electric, eliminating the need for propane fuel. This transition is expected to reduce propane consumption by approximately 44,000 gallons annually, and cut down tailpipe carbon emissions by around 264 metric tons each year.

Meghan Weinman, Vice President of Sustainability at SSA Marine, expressed her pride in the project: “We are proud to partner with the Port of Los Angeles on this ambitious project, and we’re confident that Berth 55 will serve as a blueprint for future initiatives.” This move is part of a broader effort to enhance sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of port operations.

The transition was a collaborative three-year effort involving SSA Marine, the Port of Los Angeles, and several other partners. Michael DiBernardo, Deputy Executive Director at the Port of LA, emphasized the achievement's importance: “As a result of this initiative, SSA Marine has completed that goal five years ahead of schedule, which we appreciate.” This project is a key step toward the Port of LA’s ambitious goal of making all yard equipment emissions-free by 2030.

This development not only sets a new standard for sustainability in the maritime industry but also accelerates progress toward the broader climate goals of the port.