New Emissions Barges Readied to Help California Ports Meet New Rules

In a significant move towards reducing maritime emissions, STAX is set to deploy two new emissions filter barges. These barges are designed to capture and filter exhaust from vessels, aligning with California’s stringent environmental regulations. One barge will enhance operations at the Port of Benicia, while the other will be the first of its kind dedicated to tankers at the Port of Los Angeles. This initiative marks a crucial step in California’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality and reduce pollution from maritime activities.

New Regulations and Their Impact

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has introduced new regulations that will take effect in 2025. These rules aim to reduce emissions from vessels docked at ports. They will expand the requirements to include more types of ships, such as containerships, tankers, and car carriers. The regulations are part of California’s broader strategy to combat air pollution and promote cleaner technologies in the shipping industry.

One of the solutions offered by STAX involves positioning a barge alongside a vessel. A cap is placed over the ship’s funnel to capture exhaust gases. The captured emissions are then filtered through advanced technology on the barge. This method provides an alternative to shore power, which is another option for reducing emissions. STAX has gained recognition as a grantee of CARB, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability.

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In April 2024, STAX announced an exclusive agreement with AMPORTS, a logistics provider specializing in automotive ports. This partnership marks the fourth agreement in just eight weeks, demonstrating STAX’s rapid growth and increasing demand for its services. The new barge will be deployed under this exclusive service agreement, further solidifying STAX’s role in the emissions reduction landscape.

Strategic Deployments and Partnerships

STAX’s fourth barge is nearing completion and will soon be deployed at the Port of Benicia. This port serves as a vital entry point for vessels arriving from Asia, Europe, and Mexico. AMPORTS plays a crucial role at this port, handling approximately 260,000 imported vehicles annually. This figure represents about 20 percent of all vehicles imported by sea into California, underscoring the importance of efficient emissions management in this area.

Additionally, STAX is finalizing its fifth barge, which is scheduled for deployment in 2025 at the Port of Los Angeles. This barge will service tankers at the Shell Mormon Island Terminal, following a five-year agreement with Shell Oil Products. Under this partnership, STAX anticipates providing around 1,600 hours of emissions capture and control each year. This initiative will make STAX the first company to offer such services for tankers in California, with projections to treat over 150 tons of emissions throughout the partnership’s lifespan.

STAX’s operations extend beyond the Ports of Benicia and Los Angeles. The company is also active in Long Beach and Oakland, providing emissions capture services across multiple locations. The new CARB regulations also target smaller commercial vessels, including tugs, as part of California’s commitment to achieving incremental improvements in emissions around its ports. STAX’s innovative approach positions it as a leader in the maritime emissions reduction effort, paving the way for a cleaner future.