LNG order kick starts port program
VANCOUVER -- Westport Innovations has sold 50 Kenworth LNG T800 Class 8 trucks to Southern Counties Express to meet criteria of California’s Clean Trucks Program. The trucks are being purchased with financial support from the San Pedro Bay Ports' Clean Trucks Program, an initiative led by the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). "With funding beginning to flow for the San Pedro Bay Ports' Clean Trucks Program, SCE has stepped forward to be the first significant fleet adopter and can now realize the benefits of clean, cost-effective LNG trucks powered by Westport's high-efficiency, low-emission technology," states Michael Gallagher, president and COO of Westport. The LNG trucks were assembled at Inland Kenworth in California and are ready for deployment. Westport's LNG system for Class 8 trucks offers lower greenhouse gas emissions than comparable diesel engines. The system comprises LNG fuel tanks, proprietary Westport fuel injectors, cryogenic fuel pumps and associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable operation. The Westport LNG system is 2007 EPA and CARB certified to 0.8g/bhp-hr NOx and 0.01g/bhp-hr PM. The trucks are expected to commence container movement service at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (the San Pedro Bay Ports) during the next few weeks. "As one of the first port operators running clean trucks using domestic LNG fuel, Southern Counties will be making a significant contribution to the San Pedro Bay Ports' goal of reducing harmful particulate matter, NOx and greenhouse gases in the Los Angeles basin," notes Brian Griley, SCE CEO. Nine other port trucking firms have also committed to the new LNG trucks in the initial port deployment. Westport expects to conclude purchase agreements with these fleets over the next few weeks now that funding approvals from the Ports and the City of Los Angeles are in place.