US ports turn to bioLPG while production and supply is poised to increase

Many of the United States' more than 300 ports are relying on LPG-powered equipment to stay efficient, resilient, and cost effective, and to help decarbonise terminal tractors, Class 7 forklifts, generators and light- and medium-duty vehicles. This move in port activity comes just as the Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Administration announced USD 500 million in funding opportunities to upgrade port infrastructure across the country.

“With tariffs and volatile diesel prices adding strain this season, having modern infrastructure is more critical than ever. This federal funding is a timely opportunity for port operators to upgrade to propane-powered solutions that can boost reliability, reduce emissions, and cut operational costs,” said Jim Bunsey, senior manager of material handling business development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

Meanwhile, as progress continues on ports' path to zero carbon emissions, the next step for an even greener future is renewable Liquid Gas. With an increasing supply, this fuel is expected to be a “game-changer” in the U.S., especially in California, a state with decarbonisation aggressive goals and with two of the largest and busiest ports in the country.

According to the Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center, U.S. renewable LPG production capacity is more than 4.5 million gallons per year. Jeff Stewart, president of Blue Star Gas in Santa Rosa, California, said that number is expected to increase, and perhaps significantly, and informed that 20% of his company’s volume is already from renewable origin.

"It's not difficult to get renewable propane physically to a port," Stewart commented. "It uses the same exact infrastructure as conventional propane. The challenge at this point is really in the volume and production. But we are starting to see new producers coming into the marketplace, and as the volume grows, there will be more supply available for ports."

For him, ports that want to step into the realm of renewable Liquid Gas should plan and calculate the process. "If you want to start a trial, that trial can be supported right now. Depending on the volume and the eventual rollout, I think it will line up with the growth of the product," he added.

Source: Maritime Logistics Professional

Photo: Unsplash