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As pressure mounts on ports to reduce their environmental impact, some of the busiest maritime facilities in the U.S. are turning to propane-powered equipment to cut emissions immediately instead of waiting through delays and long timelines associated with electrification.
At both the Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) in New Jersey and the West Basin Container Terminal (WBCT) at the Port of Los Angeles, port operators say propane is helping them meet clean air goals, especially in urban areas where surrounding communities are sensitive to air quality. Propane’s relatively low cost, operational flexibility, and reduced emissions profile have made it an attractive option amid challenges with electric infrastructure and charging capacity.
Decades of Diesel—and Its Consequences
Diesel-powered vehicles have been the backbone of port operations for decades, but they come with environmental costs. High levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon dioxide (CO2) have raised concerns, especially for frontline workers and nearby residents.
Both PNCT and WBCT have worked in recent years to transition away from diesel, adopting propane-powered terminal tractors as part of their clean fleet strategies. According to research conducted at PNCT, propane-powered tractors reduce NOx emissions by 99%, with similar reductions in particulate matter and hydrocarbons.
Jim Pelliccio, president and CEO of PNCT, said the move is part of a broader decarbonization effort that focuses on immediate results. “The infrastructure to support EV technology hasn’t completely evolved yet for us to be able to meet the needs that we have,” Pelliccio said. “The near-zero emission propane tractors allow for immediate reductions in greenhouse gases, and we can achieve even further reductions in the future when renewable propane becomes available.”
Power Limitations Shape Port Strategy
At WBCT, electric options have been piloted, but challenges with charging times and grid reliability have slowed broader adoption. Willy Won, director of engineering at Ports America, which operates WBCT, noted that electrical infrastructure simply hasn’t kept pace with operational demands.
“Port operations have been plagued with brownouts for many years now,” Won said. “We’ve found that electrical infrastructure has been very difficult to manage, and understanding that the future of electrical infrastructure and the required needs to go to a fully electric fleet would basically create a long timeline for us to meet the zero emission goals.”
With a fleet of 225 terminal tractors, WBCT has already converted the vast majority to propane, including more than half that meet ultra-low NOx certification. “At this point, we want to make sure we reduce emissions as soon as possible until the infrastructure catches up with us, meeting our emissions goals,” Won added.
Propane’s Operational Advantages
One of propane’s biggest strengths at the port level is operational uptime. Unlike electric terminal tractors, which can require hours to recharge, propane vehicles can be refueled quickly and returned to service.
“Where the propane units run out of fuel, it’s about 10 minutes to refuel and put them back to work,” Won explained. “When the electric counterparts run out of charge, they are down for multiple shifts until they are able to charge up.”
That reliability has helped WBCT keep its 24/7 operations running smoothly. Won also pointed to favorable fuel costs. “In 2024, our average price of propane was $1.66 per gallon, while the price of diesel was $3.44 per gallon during the same time period,” he said. “Up until recently, the federal government also provided an annual Alternative Fuel Tax Credit ranging between $0.37–$0.50 per gallon purchased, which gave us further savings.”
A Critical Step on the Path to Zero
While propane may not be the only solution for every port in decarbonization efforts, it is proving to be a highly effective tool for reducing harmful emissions right now. With near-zero emissions technology already commercially available, propane-powered equipment is helping ports cut nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, two pollutants closely linked to respiratory issues, without waiting for years of infrastructure upgrades.
This is especially important for ports located near densely populated communities. “Our move to propane vehicles will have a direct effect on reducing ozone concentrations in the atmosphere as well as diesel particulate matter, which is very important because it directly affects adjacent disadvantaged communities,” added Jim Pelliccio.
Port operators say these immediate wins matter. Propane offers a clear, measurable reduction in emissions while supporting uninterrupted operations. As ports work to meet regional and federal air quality standards, propane is emerging as a practical, lower-emission energy source that is already making a difference on the ground, without delay.
