Maritime Industry Supports SB 298 (Caballero) to Require Planning for Availability and Distribution of Alternative Fuels at Seaports
February 20, 2025
Contact: Natasha Villa, External Affairs Manager
nvilla@pmsaship.com
OAKLAND, CA - The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) and its member companies are strongly committed to maintaining pathways to vessel use of alternative fuels in order to reduce the carbon intensity of vessel emissions throughout the world. As such, PMSA applauds the introduction of SB 298, by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced), which will require the development of a state plan for the production and deployment of alternative fuels and carbon capture technologies at California’s public seaports.
The use of alternative fuels by ocean-going vessels is rapidly growing around the world to facilitate international commitments to decarbonize ocean shipping. PMSA members are already investing billions of dollars in the construction of new, cleaner, alternative fueled and alternative fuel capable vessels. Under SB 298, the State will prepare to support these green initiatives and realize the immense air quality and greenhouse gas benefits of alternative fuels and carbon capture. Otherwise, availability of cleaner fuels in California will be severely hindered by a lack of fueling production and infrastructure.
“SB 298 will strengthen California's position as a global leader in both environmental sustainability and economic growth by incentivizing the affordability and availability of alternative fuels for maritime vessels. This bill will help to transition the maritime industry from using diesel products to alternative fuels to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality along California’s coastline, ensuring healthier communities and a cleaner future,” said Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced). “The bill creates a path to deploy infrastructure to support the production, distribution, and fueling facilities of alternative fuels at the ports. This collaborative effort will not only support California’s ambitious climate goals but also ensure the state’s ports remain competitive, foster innovation, and long-term success for the maritime industry and the workforce that they employ.”
“We are pleased to support the introduction of SB 298 by Senator Caballero, which will result in the development of a collaborative plan to facilitate the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure and carbon capture,” said PMSA President Mike Jacob. “We look forward to collaborating with the State on this essential planning and efforts to ensure that our vessels will have ready and consistent access to alternative fuels when calling at California ports.”
Both California and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have established ambitious decarbonization targets, with the global goal of uptake of zero GHG fuels by 2030 and net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050. PMSA is fuel agnostic but supports planning for the availability of all fuel options in alignment with these decarbonization targets.
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About the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA)
PMSA is an independent, not-for-profit association which represents owners and operators of marine terminals, ocean carriers, and vessels operating on the US West Coast. PMSA maintains offices in Oakland, Long Beach, and Seattle.
About Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced)
Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) represents California’s 14th Senate District, advocating for economic development, environmental sustainability, and workforce training.