The Port of Long Beach has launched a Hydrogen Fuel Grant Program to support early adopters of hydrogen fuel cell drayage trucks. The initiative encourages fleets to move away from diesel trucks at the nation’s largest seaport complex.
The Port will make up to $10 million available to eligible fleet operators. The funding will help offset hydrogen fuel costs. If fully used, the program will generate at least 3.7 million zero-emissions miles from drayage operations.
The program is funded through the Clean Truck Fund Rate, established in 2022. The fund supports incentives for zero-emissions trucks and the infrastructure needed to charge and fuel them.
So far, the Port has committed $27.5 million to battery-electric truck programs. These include charging depots, truck vouchers, and technology demonstration projects. The investments have added about 540 battery-electric trucks to the San Pedro Bay port complex that would otherwise have been diesel-powered.
The Port has also committed $1.45 million to hydrogen fuel cell truck projects. Around 100 hydrogen fuel cell trucks are currently registered to operate at the Port.
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said technology neutrality is key to reducing emissions. He said no single solution fits all drayage operations due to varying duty cycles and operating needs. He emphasized the importance of keeping multiple zero-emissions options viable.
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna said fuel cell truck operators have faced rising fuel costs. He said the grant program will help bridge the gap while the hydrogen market continues to develop.
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