Pacific Maritime Group is at the center of a major green renovation project that is helping to save money and preserve the environment in and around the Port of San Diego. The Green Business Network is a collection of local businesses working together to reduce their environmental impact. Thanks to the efforts spearheaded by the Port of San Diego and San Diego Gas & Electric, the air quality throughout the community is improved, and noise pollution is significantly reduced.
The old Crosby Street Pier is now the Pacific Maritime Group Pier and the home port to a wide range of vessels that are vital to the success of local businesses. Using an efficient and environmentally conscious cold-ironing shorepower process, vessels connect to a cold iron station with enough electricity to power a ship’s commercial electrical needs.
Cold-Ironing Shorepower Stations Save Money, Improve Environment
The major environmental improvement to the pier is a long-term investment that will pay off financially over many years. The environmental impact is already being felt throughout the area.
“It was a huge investment and a commitment that is going to have to be paid off over many years of getting those benefits back,” said Stephen Frailey, Vice President of Pacific Maritime Group. “The immediate benefits are the air quality and the noise pollution is practically illuminated.”
Installing cold ironing shorepower stations at the pier used up about $500,000 of the $3 million budget earmarked for the renovation project. Vessels are retrofitted to plug into the station. Service is raised to 2500 amps, a substantial increase from 400 amps.
The Green Business Network brought together the small businesses that rely on the bay and pier to make a living. Pacific Maritime Group is constantly looking for ways to improve the community and its environmental impact. The area services private and commercial businesses of all kinds, from fireworks and movies to the Navy Seals performing offshore training.
Through the efforts of Pacific Maritime Group, the Port of San Diego, and San Diego Gas & Electric, the Green Business Network is making real-life improvements to the pier and the community. The neighborhoods have cleaner air quality, less noise pollution, and a sustainable process to maintain a thriving community afloat for decades to come.