WTS San Diego County Honors Port of San Diego with Technology for Transportation Award

The Port of San Diego is the proud recipient of the prestigious 2024 WTS San Diego County Technology for Transportation Award for its Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS). This award recognizes innovative contributions of technological applications in transportation-related projects or services that enhance the regional transportation network and improve the quality of life for users and communities in San Diego County. It also recognizes women that fill essential personnel and leadership positions in these projects or services.

"We are honored to receive this award, reflecting the Port's commitment to sustainability and innovation," said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. "Thanks to the dedication of our team, especially the women whose leadership has been key, along with our partners, we continue to lead the way in implementing clean air technologies for the health of our communities and planet."

The Port's MCAS centers around public health within Portside communities and its strategies are focused on advanced transportation and infrastructure. Since adopting the MCAS in October 2021, the Port and its tenants have committed approximately $125 million toward electrification and clean freight initiatives. These initiatives include groundbreaking advancements such as the first all-electric tugboat in the United States, the deployment of all-electric mobile harbor cranes - the first in North America, and the installation of shore power systems for ocean-going vessels, among many others.

The award, presented during a ceremony on October 23, 2024, also highlights the roles of nine women at the Port who have driven the success of the MCAS project, including Sureena Basra, Senior Planner; Anna Buzaitis, Program Director; Michelle Giron, Senior Environmental Specialist; Natalia Jimenez, IT Business Partner, Lisa Madsen, Senior Planner; Wendy Siao, Program Director; Maggie Weber, Principal in Strategic Planning; and Renée Yarmy, Program Director in Maritime Sustainable Development. Their contributions have been pivotal in overcoming the challenges of aging infrastructure, spatial constraints, and coordinating the deployment of new technologies across multiple agencies and stakeholders.

The MCAS positions the Port as a leader in environmental sustainability, aiming for 100% zero-emission (ZE) truck trips and cargo handling equipment by 2030. The Port is embracing the future of clean transportation while setting an example for other ports and maritime industries worldwide.