The Port of Stockton will become the first zero-emission small port in the United States.

The $110 million grant announced Tuesday was secured by Congressman Josh Harder, D-Tracy, who serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

It is part of a nearly $3 billion investment nationwide to convert ports to zero-emission operations.

The port is located within 14 miles of northwest Manteca via Lathrop Road and Interstate 5.

Northwest Manteca is where the recently updated general plan created a major area zoned for industrial development.

The location is within two miles of both Interstate 5 and Highway 99 plus less than three miles from Stockton Metro Airport in addition to being close to the port.

The federal investment in the Port of Stockton will fund:

*Electric cargo handling equipment like forklifts, cranes, terminal tractors, and a mobile railcar indexer; 

*Vessel shore power and charging infrastructure, solar generation, and a battery energy storage system; and

*Training for existing workers to deploy, operate, and maintain zero-emission equipment and infrastructure.

The investment allows the Port of Stockton to create the Northern California Zero-Emission Freight Hub, making it the country’s first small port with zero-emission terminal operations.

The $110 million will enable the Port of Stockton to transition 90 percent of its cargo handling equipment to zero-emission vehicles, drastically reducing freight emissions with sustainable power from solar and battery storage systems.

These advancements will directly improve air quality and public health for San Joaquin County, setting a new standard for clean, efficient port operations. 

“This means jobs, cutting-edge technology, and better air quality for our kids,” Harder said. “We worked incredibly hard to get this done, and I look forward to working with the Port to make sure they keep getting the support they need to be a world-class economic engine for our region.”

The port is located 70 nautical miles inland making it California’s eastern most seaport.

In 2023, nearly 4.3 million metric tons of cargo moved through the Port of Stockton involving 55 different countries, with goods flowing in both directions.

On any given day here at the Port you might see organic grain coming in from Turkey, refined sulfur going out to Australia, or any other of a litany of products that are going to or coming from places all around the world.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com