Long Beach to test LNG-powered tractors
As part of a series of efforts to reduce air pollution through use of alternative fuels, the Port of Long Beach said it will begin a six-month test using liquefied natural gas to power special tractors that move ocean containers from the vessel to storage yards.
Sound Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp. that wants to build a liquefied natural gas import terminal and re-gasification facility within the port by 2008, will test five yard hostlers at two terminals
The $600,000 project is designed to test whether use of LNG in an off-road environment will significantly lower emissions compared to diesel-powered engines and whether the equipment is reliable in real-world conditions.