Appendix H 

Demonstration Program for High-Efficiency Emission Controls 

for Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes, Top Picks, and Side Picks 
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Identification and Demonstration of Emission Control Systems 

for Port Container Handling Equipment 

Background

Cargo handling equipment at ports are a significant contributor to diesel PM 

exposures to nearby residents. Yard trucks, rubber tire gantry cranes, sidepicks, reach stackers are examples of the types of off-road equipment used to 

move containerized goods. While on-road low emission technologies are 

available for yard trucks and it appears to be cost-effective to accelerate the fleet 

turnover to these technologies, there is limited information available on emission 

controls systems with high efficiencies for the other types of container handling 

equipment. This equipment typically has long lifespans, high activity rates and 

much higher capital costs. In addition, the new engine standards for this 

equipment lags behind the on-road engine standards, making an accelerated 

turnover approach less cost effective and highlighting the need for effective 

retrofit technologies. 

The purpose of this project is to identify and demonstrate high efficiency retrofit 

emission controls that reduce diesel particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen 

emissions in a cost effective manner from rubber tire gantry cranes, top-picks, 

side-picks, and reach stackers. The project is designed to identify the most 

promising technologies, install these technologies in real-world applications, 

demonstrate the emission reduction potentials of the technologies and to provide 

initial data that will lead to verification under the Air Resources Board 

“Verification Procedure, Warranty and In-Use Compliance Requirements for InUse Strategies to Control Emissions from Diesel Engines” (Verification 

Procedure)(Title 13, California Code of Regulations, sections 2700-2710). 

The ARB will provide oversight to the study with input from a Technical Advisory 

Committee (TAC) comprised of representatives from the: Port of Los Angeles, 

Port of Long Beach, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Arco Terminal 

Services Corporation, and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. The TAC will 

meet periodically to review data and provide comments on the port equipment 

selection and applicable emission reduction technologies. The interested public 

and stakeholders will be kept apprised through periodic updates at public 

workshops and outreach meetings. 

The study is comprised of 5 key tasks: 

• Collection Of Key Operating Parameters Necessary To Determine Emission 

Control System Applicability 

• Solicitation Of Technology Providers 

• Terminal Operator/Equipment Solicitation 

• Demonstration and Emission Testing. 

• Final Report 
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Task 1: Collection of Key Operating Parameters Necessary to Determine 

Emission Control System Applicability 

A key parameter in evaluating the applicability of many diesel exhaust retrofit 

devices is the exhaust temperatures over typical vehicle operations. Based on 

preliminary discussions with retrofit providers, this information is critical in 

determining whether or not their technologies may be appropriate for the 

application. To obtain this data, under Task 1, we will data log exhaust 

temperatures during typical engine operation cycles for the equipment of interest. 

Key Tasks and Considerations: 

• Obtain data logging equipment (AEMC Instruments Simple Logger, Omega 

Type K temperature probe, and laptop computer) 

• Identify desirable engine models 

• Contact terminals operating RTG’s, side and top picks, and reach stackers 

that would allow us to measure the exhaust temperature. Measure 

equipment operating at the Port of Oakland and the Ports of Los Angeles 

and/or Long Beach 

• Install the temperature probes and data loggers. 

• Collect data for one week and download. 

• Analyze and summarize data 

TAC Input: 

• Determination of the types/numbers of equipment to be data logged. 

• Review data analysis. 

Implementation Timeframe: 

• Fall-Winter 2005 

Task 2: Solicitation of Technology Providers 

Under Task 2, an open solicitation of potential technology providers will be 

conducted. CARB will consult with the TAC on the identification of the types of 

control technologies that will be targeted for participation and the criteria/ranking 

process that will be used to select the most appropriate emission control system. 

During this solicitation process, the data gathered in Task 1 will be provided to all 

potential technology providers. 

Key Tasks and Considerations: 

• Identify target cargo handling equipment and engines parameters including 

but not limited to equipment types, engine horsepower range, age, make, and 

model 

• Develop criteria for desired emission control systems and technology 

providers including but not limited to emission control device efficiency, 

robustness, target pollutants, cost, ease of use, willingness to donate 

equipment or in-kind services, demonstrated applicability in similar off-road 
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applications, commitment to complete verification process. (The 

demonstration will fund the initial emissions baseline testing and the 

technology provider must pay for the post durability emission testing.) 

• Develop mailing list for solicitation letter. 

• Prepare solicitation letter and distribute to mailing list. Include with the 

solicitation letter the evaluation criteria, results from the data logging, 

summary of cargo handling equipment population and distribution for the 

targeted equipment. 

• Evaluate and rank applications 

• Determine budget for the study taking into consideration emission testing 

costs, costs for equipment and select technologies for demonstration staying 

within the budget constraints. 

• Notify technology providers of decision. 

TAC Input: 

• Assist in developing criteria and weighting factors for selection of emission 

control systems and technology providers. 

• Assist in developing mailing list. 

• Evaluate and rank emission control systems submitted for consideration. 

Implementation Timeframe: 

• Spring 2006 

Task 3: Terminal Operation/Equipment Solicitation 

The technology providers identified in Task 2, need to use port equipment to 

demonstrate the emission reductions and durability of the emission control 

system. Under Task 3, we will solicit terminal operators for participation in the 

demonstration. The terminal operators’ participation will require greater in-kind 

support for this task than in Task 1. The equipment will need to be taken out of 

service to conduct baseline emissions source testing, install emissions reduction 

equipment, and emissions source testing after the retrofit device is installed. Not 

only will use of the equipment be required, but also port labor may be necessary 

to install retrofit devices and drive the equipment. 

Key Tasks and Considerations: 

• Develop criteria for selection of terminal operators including but not limited to 

the availability of targeted equipment, willingness to provide in-kind services, 

willingness to assist technology provider with verification, proximity to test 

services and emission control system provider. 

• Consult with technology providers that have been selected for participation on 

the criteria to ensure key elements are included. 

• Prepare solicitation letter and distribute to mailing list. Include with the 

solicitation letter the evaluation criteria, results from the data logging, 

summary of cargo handling equipment population and distribution for the 

targeted equipment. Work with the POLA and POLB to distribute solicitation 
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request. As an alternative, the TAC may consider enlisting the help of the 

Ports to identify and solicit terminals that would be good candidates for the 

demonstration. 

• Evaluate and rank applications according to criteria identified above. 

Terminals at both POLA and POLB will be selected. 

• Work with terminals and technology providers to match most appropriate 

emissions control system with terminal equipment. 

TAC Input: 

• Assist with outreach to terminals. 

• Develop criteria for selection of terminal operators. 

• Assist with evaluation and selection of terminals for participation. 

• Assist with the matching of emission control system with terminal equipment. 

Implementation Timeframe: 

• Spring 2006 

Task 4: Demonstration Study and Emissions Testing 

Under task 4, the actual demonstration of the emission control technology will be 

conducted to determine the efficiency, durability, and acceptability of the 

emission control system. 

Key Tasks and Considerations: 

• Work with the control technology provider and the terminal operator to 

determine if additional engine evaluation or data logging is necessary prior to 

installation. 

• Develop emissions testing protocol and durability cycle to ensure compliance 

with verification procedure requirements. The test protocol will include all the 

necessary emission testing to support verification including but not limited to 

identification of the test cycle to be used during emission testing, test method, 

pollutants to be measured time needed for testing, who will do the emissions 

testing and the costs. 

• Submit preliminary application for verification to ARB (responsibility of 

technology provider) 

• Conduct baseline emissions testing according to the test protocol. 

• Install emission control equipment. Ensure operating as expected. 

• Conduct emissions tests after installation to determine emission reduction 

potential. 

• Continue operation with the emission control system until durability cycle 

complete. 

• Survey terminal operators and equipment operators on in-use experience with 

the control device. 

• Conduct post durability emissions test.(Responsibility of the technology 

provider) 
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• Submit complete verification application to ARB. (Responsibility of 

technology provider) 

TAC Input: 

• Review test plans and provide insight on equipment operation and testing 

options. 

Implementation Timeframe: 

• Simmer 2006 

Task 5: Final Report 

Under Task 5, a final report will be prepared summarizing the results from the 

demonstration study. The report will be shared with the TAC and be made 

publicly available.