The Port of Hueneme, a US gateway for international trade, has formed a collaboration with maritime emissions capture and control company Stax Engineering.
The Stax system will consists of mobile floating barges that can place filters on ocean-going vessel stacks and filter out harmful emissions like particulate matter and NOx while the ships are in port. This new effort is a direct response to mitigate impacts due to the damage incurred to the port’s shoreside power system in December 2023 during a major storm that flooded Port Hueneme.
The system developed by Stax is said to represent a significant leap forward in tackling air pollution from ships while at berth. It is designed to envelop a vessel’s smokestack, capturing emissions directly at the source. Unlike traditional shore power solutions, the system does not require expensive modifications to vessels. It captures pollutants without disrupting vessel operations, making it what is considered to offer a cost-effective choice for both shipowners and port authorities.
The barge is powered by renewable diesel, making it cleaner than the electric grid. Its cleaned exhaust stream meets the health-protective standards required by the California Air Resource Board (CARB), aligning with the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to sustainability. As a Green Marine-certified port, the Port of Hueneme says it has consistently prioritised environmental responsibility. The collaboration with Stax Engineering underscores the dedication to cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future.
Celina Zacarias, Board President, Oxnard Harbour District said: “We must continue to move forward towards our goal of becoming a zero emissions port. The storm damage has created an opportunity to continue showing how resilient our port can really be. We are putting the community first through this type of collaboration, and we will continue to pursue these types of partnerships so that our neighbours can rest assured that their port is doing everything in its power to reduce its emissions and continue moving forward toward the goal.”
Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director, Port of Hueneme added: “We’re thrilled to partner with Stax Engineering on this transformative project. The emissions capture and control system exemplifies our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, which is in our port DNA, and highlights the flexibility of the port’s response to finding new solutions in the maritime industry.”
Stax Engineering CEO Mike Walker said: “One of the most important aspects of Stax technology is that it breaks fleet operator dependence on the local grid. Shore power isn’t always available due to factors like major storms, limited outlet access, and vessel incompatibility. Our solution addresses these challenges, providing an easy, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution that solves the at-berth regulation requirements for ports like the Port of Hueneme. We are grateful for their partnership and excited about the positive impact we will achieve together.”
Image: Stax capture and control system in action (source: Port of Hueneme)
