THE Port of Long Beach's newly upgraded US$1.3 billion Middle Harbour terminal has come on stream after docking its first vessel, with officials boasting it is the most environmentally friendly and technologically advanced marine terminal in the world.

The facility's opening is part of the first phase of the Middle Harbour Redevelopment Project, in which two aging terminals are being combined into one large modernised terminal facility for Hong Kong's OOCL that is operated by its subsidiary, Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT), reports the Long Beach Business Journal.

The terminal utilises zero-emission automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and is equipped with shore-side electrical power for ships, expanded on-dock rail for moving cargo by rail, cleaner yard equipment, electrical stacking cranes and solar panels.

The first phase of the Middle Harbour terminal was completed last year when it was equipped with all-electric stacking cranes, AGVs and solar panels. The next phase is scheduled to be completed in 2019 and will raise cargo handling capacity at the port 20 per cent.

In addition, the terminal ensures the use of low-sulphur fuels for main and auxiliary engines on ships, and applies the port's Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction programme requirements.

Also, the terminal was built using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building standards, and the design encompasses storm water pollution prevention measures.

President Anthony Otto of LBCT wrote in an e-mail to the Business Journal said: "OOCL and LBCT have invested significantly to create the world's first zero-emission terminal facility and we hope this investment inspires others to do the same."