Diesel emissions control programs advance

WILMINGTON, NC --- On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, the NC State Ports Authority showcased its commitment to environmental stewardship, and greener and more environmentally-friendly operations at the North Carolina Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City, and for the NC International Terminal. 

A news conference and demonstrations at 10.00 a.m. at the Port of Wilmington featured some of the latest technology for diesel emissions control. The news conference and demonstrations were held at the NC State Ports Authority’s Materials Management Building, 2508 Burnett Boulevard. 

Attendees got a firsthand look at the newest technology in diesel/electric hybrid terminal tractors, the Pluggable Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor (PHETT®), plus receive the latest information about ongoing emissions control programs for the NC State Ports operating equipment, including biodiesel fuel and biobased / biodegradable lubricants. 

Speaking at the news conference were Thomas J. Eagar, CEO, NC State Ports Authority, Phillip Ford, President, Capacity of Texas, manufacturer of the PHETT®, Sam Burkett, President, BioBlend Renewable Resources LLC, Brian Potter, Vice President, Potter Oil and Tire Company, Inc. 

The Ports Authority has been working for several years to reduce its environmental footprint by using ultra low sulfur diesel (USLD) as its primary off-road diesel fuel, transitioning to a blend of 20% bio-product/80% USLD in port operating equipment and utilizing readily biodegradable lubricants in the port equipment pool. These practices are estimated to reduce overall diesel consumption by 20% annually. Estimated reduction for emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide are as much as 20%.

“One of the greater benefits from converting the ports equipment to biodiesel is the cleaner emissions for our employees and for the environment,” said Ports Authority CEO Thomas J. Eagar. 

The latest evolution of innovative hybrid technology in the terminal tractor was displayed by Capacity of Texas. A leader in “green technology”, Capacity is the only supplier to offer the Cummins ISL G Natural Gas terminal trucks in CNG and LNG. Continuing to uphold its environmental stewardship, Capacity developed the world’s first hybrid terminal truck, the PHETT®. This revolutionary product is a charge sustaining series hybrid. The 200 horse power diesel engine has been replaced with a 40 horsepower Tier 4 interim genset. In independent third party testing fuel consumption was reduced an average of 50% while emission reductions of NOx by 77% and particulate matter by 82%. 

BioBlend Renewable Resources, based in Joliet, IL , is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high performance, bio lubricants, oils and greases. The company's lubricant products provide a renewable alternative to petroleum based lubricants while delivering superior lubricity, excellent performance and protection to the environment. BioBlend's products include industrial lubricants such as hydraulic oil and gear oils, food grade lubricants, greases, aerosols and a growing offering of specialty and custom formulations. 

As a contracted supplier of fuel to North Carolina state agencies including the Ports Authority, Potter Oil Company is a leading distributor of soy biodiesel in eastern North Carolina. Soy biodiesel is a non-toxic, clean burning and environmentally friendly fuel product made from renewable soybean oil. 

Three biodiesel storage tanks, funded through an NC Clean Air grant and Ports Authority revenues, are being installed at the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City. The Ports Authority will also be retrofitting cargo handling equipment and machinery with diesel emission control devises to reduce air emissions from a grant by the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. To complement its four electric 100-foot gauge container cranes, the Authority will continue to explore grants to replace other specialized cargo handling diesel equipment with all electric units.