en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved a lease option agreement and authorized a Coastal Development Permit for the construction of a new bulk sugar handling and storage facility at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
California Sugar Equipment LLC plans to develop the Zucarmex facility, which will be capable of importing up to 280,000 metric tons of raw sugar to San Diego annually.
The project features notable environmental commitments, aligning with the port's Maritime Clean Air Strategy. Zucarmex will become the first operator at the terminal to use fully electric Class 8 zero-emission semi-trucks to transport raw sugar from the dock to the company's existing processing facility in Otay Mesa, reducing approximately 1,000 diesel truck trips per month at the terminal.
A solar system will be installed on the warehouse roof to provide renewable energy for on-site truck charging. Meanwhile, the conveyor system and bulk unloader will employ best available control technology to ensure particulate matter emission control rates of at least 95%.
Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners Chair Ann Moore stated that the project represents another pioneering effort for the port. She emphasized that the all-electric trucking operations demonstrate that economic development and clean air goals can be achieved simultaneously, consistent with the objectives set forth in the Maritime Clean Air Strategy.
Richard Eastment, representative of the owners of Zucarmex and California Sugar Equipment LLC, said the lease agreement is a transformative milestone, positioning the company as an early adopter of clean energy and zero-emission technology, contributing to a more sustainable future for the San Diego community.
The dry bulk facility and related operational improvements support the port's broader Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal Redevelopment Plan. Alongside approving the lease option and coastal permit, the board also adopted the third addendum to the final environmental impact report for the plan.
