“K” Line and Long Beach lease calls for cold-ironing of ships
“K” Line and Long Beach lease calls for cold-ironing of ships
International Transportation Services Inc., “K” Line’s marine terminal subsidiary at the Port of Long Beach, said Friday it has concluded a new 20-year lease agreement with the port focused on reduction of air emissions from expanded terminal operations.
As part of the new agreement, ITS will phase in electric shore powering capabilities for docked vessels over the next six years (to be built by the port), while “K” Line will invest in the technology to equip the vessels for shore powering. The Japanese carrier estimates that the total investment for outfitting its ships will reach $20 million.
Initially five of “K” Line’s ships will be outfitted to shift to shore power, but ultimately all ships calling at ITS will embrace shore powering capability, the carrier said.
The lease agreement also gives ITS the option to expand its existing 246-acre facility by another 70 acres, which the carrier said will support further cargo growth, while simultaneously streamlining terminal operations, as well as accommodating expanded on-dock double stack train capability.
“K” Line operates 385 cargo ships in the container, energy and car carrier businesses, generating annual revenues of $8 billion.