INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Port of San Diego Advances Maritime Decarbonization and Waterfront Planning
J ason Giffen, Port of San Diego’s Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer, highlighted new initiatives in clean freight trans- portation, infrastructure investment and community-focused waterfront development. The Port of San Diego is advancing a range of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, modernizing infrastructure and balancing maritime operations with community interests. Among the latest developments is a new agreement approved by the Port’s board with Zucarmex, a Mexico-based bulk sugar importer. The operation will emphasize short-haul transportation between San Diego and Otay Mesa using all-electric trucks, supporting the Port’s efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen its commitment to being a responsible neighbor within the urban environment surrounding its terminal. “We’re an urban port, and what we’re really trying to do is focus on being a better neighbor, having a greener foot- print,” said Giffen. The agreement also includes a sig- nificant investment in upgrades to the Port’s bulk-handling and conveyor sys- tem. The improvements will address aging infrastructure while providing benefits for Zucarmex and other bulk cargo operators using the facilities. Giffen described the agreement as an important step forward, noting that Zucarmex will be among the Port’s first bulk cargo operators to focus on advan- cing maritime decarbonization through electrified freight transportation. The Port’s Board recently approved the development of an electric-truck hub near the National City Marine Terminal. The project will be developed by Skycharger. Giffen says the hub infrastructure will support short-haul
The Port is advancing a range of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, modernizing infrastructure and balancing maritime operations with community interests.
The initiatives reflect the Port’s com- mitment to combining operational improvements and economic develop- ment with environmental sustain- ability, community engagement and long-term resilience. The Blue Economy Incubator: Turning the waterfront into a living laboratory Further to the update, Jason gave a focused presentation on the Port’s Blue Economy Incubator (BEI), a program designed to help emerging businesses develop and test technologies that benefit the ocean, coastal communities and maritime industries. Launched in 2016, the BEI reflects the Port’s broader responsibility to bal- ance commerce, navigation, recreation, fisheries and environmental steward- ship. The Port manages 34 miles of waterfront and extensive tidelands, while supporting an economic engine that contributed an estimated $13.8 billion in economic impact and 71,360 jobs in 2023. The BEI focuses on turning the working waterfront into a prac- tical testing ground for technologies addressing challenges such as coastal resilience, maritime decarbonization, ocean monitoring, environmental res- toration and sustainable shellfish and seaweed aquaculture. Its model offers more than financial assistance. Participating companies can receive funding, access to port-based pilot sites, help navigating permitting requirements, technical guidance, connections to a global network of
freight movements between the Port and inland distribution centres. The initiative is intended to com- plement the Zucarmex agreement by expanding the infrastructure needed to support cleaner cargo transportation. Long-range planning remains another priority. The Port has advanced initial funding for the National City Balanced Plan, a collaborative initia- tive designed to balance commercial, maritime, industrial and recreational uses in National City. The plan emerged from an exten- sive engagement process involving industry stakeholders, commercial developers and community members, including those who use and enjoy the Sweetwater Channel. “We were able to bring industry stakeholders, commercial developers as well as the community and people that enjoy the Sweetwater Channel together over a long period of time,” Giffen said, adding that “We are proud to have completed that plan.” Real estate development around San Diego Bay also continues to be a focus, building on the Port’s broader waterfront development strategy. These efforts form part of its long- term approach to managing waterfront lands while supporting maritime activ- ity and other economic opportunities. Looking ahead, Giffen pointed to further work in research and develop- ment, innovation and coastal resili- ence. These areas will be central to the Port’s ongoing efforts to address coastal hazards and prepare its water- front for future challenges.
20 — PACIFIC PORTS — October 2026
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