The Port of Charleston has proposed to introduce cold ironing as part of a number of emissions-reducing policies for the port.

"We can achieve a cleaner environment while developing additional business in the port," said Bernard S. Groseclose, Jr., president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA).

The authority has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with state's Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) outlining its intentions to reduce port pollution.

In the agreement, the port has committed to work with DHEC staff "to evaluate potential design, operation, and equipment options that are environmentally beneficial and fiscally feasible."

As part of this process, the port will "include in its planning and design the possibility of a future offering of ship-to-shore electric power to reduce air emissions from ships at berth."

All terminal and port equipment will switch to ultra-low sulphur diesel by September this year and reducing truck emissions in the port will also be studied.

"Through these emissions-cutting efforts, the Ports Authority and other maritime companies are pledging their commitment to being responsible neighbors while continuing to support economic growth," Groseclose said.

An air emissions inventory will be released later this year to establish pollution baselines.

The port authority is also supporting efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) in its representations to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for new international ship emissions standards under MARPOL Annex VI.

"New international rules on air emissions for ships calling our coasts will go a long way to effect cleaner air," Groseclose noted.

Cold ironing is a popular emissions reduction strategy on the US West Coast in ports such as Los Angeles and Seattle.

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) will shortly introduce cold ironing regulations affecting all major ports in the state.