Background
Alternative Maritime Power® (AMP®) is a unique air quality program that focuses on reducing emissions from container vessels docked at the Port of Los Angeles. Instead of running on diesel power while at berth, AMP®-equipped ships “plug in” to shore side electrical power – literally an alternative power source for oceangoing vessels. AMP® is also referred to shore power, cold ironing, or High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) Systems.
On June 21, 2004, the Port of Los Angeles and China Shipping Container Line announced the opening of the West Basin Container Terminal at Berth 100, the first container terminal in the world to use Alternative Maritime Power®. Nearly two months later on August 9, 2004, the Port welcomed the world’s first container vessel to be built with AMP® specifications already in mind, shipping line NYK’s NYK Atlas.
In July 2012, the international HVSC standard was published. The Port was an active participant in the development of the IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 international standard. The Port’s shoreside installations meet the IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 international standard.