Plans to update older terminals at the Port of Long Beach could significantly cut air pollution, according to the port authority.

The draft environmental impact report (EIR) by The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners reveals how it plans to cut air pollution and create thousands of new jobs.

It is all part of the Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project: a proposed $750-million, 10-year project.

The latest report reveals plans to reconfigure two older, irregularly shaped container shipping terminals, to create one rectangular-shaped facility.

"The new terminal would operate in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner," a spokesperson for the port authority told Bunkerworld.

The port’s middle harbour container shipping terminals are "old and outdated, designed for a past era of containerised shipping. They require upgrades to improve efficiency and meet current, 21st Century environmental standards," he added.

The project plans to reduce air pollution significantly from port-related operations at the terminals.

"The Middle Harbor Project would create the most environmentally responsible shipping terminal anywhere in the world," said Port Executive Director Richard D. Steinke.

"It fulfills our responsibilities to the environment, economy and community. It would provide many thousands of new jobs in Southern California, while reducing air pollution."

The report says the redevelopment will reduce air pollution by at least 50% and cut associated health risks.

Ships using the new terminal will be required to plug in for shoreside electricity, enabling ships to turn off their engines.

Ships can currently cold iron at berth 100, but the project includes a new wharf at berth 102.

Current targets for the number of ships using the terminal to plug in to shore power will be 90% of vessels starting in January 2010 and 100% in 2011.

This will be incorporated into plans for future tenants of the middle harbour’s container terminals to sign 'green leases', which will require selected vessels to use shore-side power, exhaust control technology, and cleaner fuels at berth.

So far the Port has signed two green leases, with International Transportation Services at Pier G and Matson at Pier C. The middle harbour project would bring this total to four.

The Port has scheduled two public hearings to receive comments on the EIR. The meetings will be Wednesday, June 11 at 6.30 p.m. at Long Beach City Hall Council Chambers, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. and Wednesday, June 18 at 6.30 p.m. at Silverado Park, 1545 W. 31st St. Long Beach.