Part 1: Port of San Diego Initiates Environmental Review for Zero-Emissions Truck Stop Proposal to Further Launch Environmental Efforts

The Port of San Diego announced on Sept. 12 that it is considering a proposal to develop a zero-emission (ZE) truck stop in National City. In March, the Port’s Board selected Skychargers, LLC to enter into negotiations for a project aimed at constructing and operating a 4.8-acre ZE truck stop located at 19th Street and Tidelands Avenue. Moving forward with the proposal, port commissioners, during their Sept. 10, meeting, directed staff to begin the environmental review process for the project.

 

The ZE truck stop aligns with the port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) and its broader vision of “Health Equity for All.” The project would support the port’s goal of having 40% of all heavy-duty truck trips to and from its marine cargo terminals operate with zero emissions by June 30, 2026, with full transition to zero-emission trucks by the end of 2030.

 

The Skychargers proposal includes a truck stop equipped with 70 charging ports designed to accommodate both opportunity and overnight charging. Additional amenities would include a convenience store and restrooms, ensuring comfort for truck drivers and supporting operational efficiency.

 

To support the reliability and resilience of the facility, there are also plans to incorporate a 1,750-kW solar array alongside a battery system with a power rating of up to 2.5 MW/5MWh. In addition to the physical infrastructure, the firm is developing a Trucking as a Service (TaaS) program. This program, which is gaining traction in the ZE trucking world, offers truck drivers an option to pay a monthly fee for leasing, charging and maintaining their trucks, at a potentially lower cost than traditional diesel vehicles.

 

The TaaS program would offer drivers a 90-day trial period and a five-year path to ownership. This initiative is further supported by financial incentives, including vouchers from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which could provide up to $336,000 for each new Class 8 ZE truck and $195,500 for Class 6 and 7 trucks. In August, the California Energy Commission (CEC) awarded Skycharger a $10 million grant for the project, which would make these zero-emission trucks more affordable for drivers by lowering their total cost of ownership compared to diesel trucks.

 

An important aspect of the Skycharger proposal is its focus on community benefits. The company is working closely with the city of National City and its residents to develop a program that addresses local concerns and provides benefits to the community. Topics under consideration include traffic impacts, road conditions and battery fire prevention, all of which will be examined in greater detail during the environmental review and lease negotiations.

 

The  port’s next step in moving the project forward involves launching the environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Environmental Impact Report (EIR), lease agreements and Coastal Development permits will be brought before the Port board for approval. Construction can begin pnly once these steps are completed.

 

Skycharger’s involvement in the project is rooted in its experience with zero-emission infrastructure. Established in 2013, the company submitted its proposal in partnership with Burns & McDonnell and Skyview Ventures, with Skyview responsible for financing, design, procurement, installation, operation and maintenance. Skycharger has built ZE infrastructure for the West Coast Electric Highway DC fast charger network, one of California’s largest charging networks, and is currently constructing the PepsiCo LA Mega Facility in Torrance, Calif. Burns & McDonnell has provided energy consulting services to the port since 2016.

 

The proposal is a key part of the port’s broader efforts under the MCAS, which was approved by the board in October 2021. The MCAS identifies future projects and initiatives designed to improve environmental and public health by reducing emissions in and around San Diego Bay. The strategy, which includes the “Health Equity for All” vision, includes nearly 40 objectives and aims to achieve emission reductions that go beyond state regulations.

 

In support of these goals, the port and its partners have committed nearly $125 million to clean air technologies. This investment has resulted in significant progress, such as the deployment of the first all-electric mobile harbor cranes in North America at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. Additionally, the first all-electric harbor tugboat in the U.S., operated by Crowley, began service in San Diego Bay in the spring. Other key achievements include the installation of a solar-powered microgrid at the Tenth Avenue terminal and plans for a maritime emissions capture and control system at the Port’s cargo terminals, expected to be operational by 2025. Shore power installations also have been expanded at both the National City Marine Terminal and the port’s cruise terminals, further enhancing electrification efforts.

 

The port’s commitment to reducing emissions extends to its own fleet, with efforts to electrify both port vehicles and equipment used by tenants. For instance, Terminalift now operates electric reach stackers, forklifts and semi-trucks, while SSA Marine recently deployed six electric cargo-handling vehicles. Pasha introduced the first all-electric car haulers in the U.S. and Dole is using battery-electric utility tractor rigs for cargo handling on the West Coast.

 

Part 2: Port of San Diego Advances Zero-Emission Goals in Maritime Clean Air Strategy

 

The Port of San Diego has achieved about 66% of the goals outlined in its Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), according to the latest MCAS Highlights Report released this month. Focused on the vision of “Health Equity for All,” the strategy outlines projects aimed at improving air quality and public health around San Diego Bay, while also supporting modern and efficient maritime operations.

 

“In less than three years since adopting the MCAS, the port and our partners have made impressive strides in enhancing air quality and public health,” said Frank Urtasun, chairman of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “With the deployment of new technologies, we’re proud to be a port of firsts, proving that we can be good neighbors to our surrounding communities while continuing to drive economic growth for the region.”

 

The port actively engaged with stakeholders and the community to inform the public abouot projects and objectives within the MCAS. To date, the port and its partners have secured approximately $125 million for maritime electrification and efficiency initiatives. Some of the key efforts include:

• 16 fully electric pieces of cargo-handling equipment, including two mobile harbor cranes (the first in North America), two reach stackers, two heavy lifts, three forklifts and seven yard trucks.
• 25 electric vehicles for the Port’s fleet.
• The eWolf, the first electric tugboat operating in the U.S., run by Crowley Marine.
• Electrical infrastructure upgrades at the National City Marine Terminal.
• Cruise terminal improvements, including additional shore-power connections.
• A microgrid and other electrical infrastructure enhancements at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.

 

Beyond equipment upgrades, the MCAS has focused on community engagement, launching the Portside Community Academy in 2023 to educate residents on air quality projects related to the maritime industry. Additionally, the port has expanded funding for its Maritime Industrial Impact Fund (MIIF), supporting initiatives such as free electric community shuttles in National City (FRANC) and providing air purifiers to residents in Barrio Logan.

 

Looking ahead, several projects are still in progress, including:

• Shore power upgrades at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal.
• Harbor Drive 2.0 – a modernized truck route that will improve the movement of goods while enhancing pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections.
• Additional zero-emission fleet vehicles and charging infrastructure for the port.
• Electrical improvements at Tuna Harbor Wharf.
• Shore power installation at the National City Marine Terminal.
• An emissions capture system for vessels that cannot connect to shore power.
• A zero-emission truck stop in National City in partnership with Skycharger, LLC.

 

For more information and to read the full highlights report, visit portofsandiego.org/mcas.