Port of Los Angeles Logs Its Lowest Per-Container Emissions in 2025
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The Port of Los Angeles reported that in 2025 it logged its lowest per-container emissions since it began compiling its emissions inventory, continuing an air pollution reduction trend that has spanned two decades. The figure was announced even as container volumes approached all-time highs, with nearly 10.2 million TEUs moved during the year.
Reductions Since 2005
According to the report, since 2005 the port has cut diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions by 90%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 72%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 98%, and greenhouse gases (GHG) by 16%, while container volume handled grew by 37% over the same period.
2025 Results
On a year-over-year basis, DPM emissions fell 2%, NOx emissions fell 4%, SOx emissions fell 5%, and GHG emissions fell 3% compared to 2024. The NOx reduction marked the lowest annual level for that pollutant since the port began measuring its emissions in 2005. Since 2017, when the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach updated their Clean Air Action Plan, DPM, NOx, SOx, and GHG emissions have dropped 15%, 38%, 28%, and 9%, respectively.
Progress by Sector
The report details improvements across different segments of port operations: truck DPM and NOx emissions fell 16% and 25% for the year, with cumulative declines since 2005 of 98% and 94%. Electric cargo-handling equipment grew 20% in 2025 and now accounts for 14% of the total fleet of that type of equipment. In harbor craft operations, 55% of tugboats, barges, ferries, and other work vessels met Tier 3 or Tier 4 emissions standards, up from 20% in 2017. Vessel calls, meanwhile, declined 34% since 2005, while locomotive emissions fell 1% year-over-year, with cumulative reductions since 2005 of 45% for DPM, 52% for NOx, and 99% for SOx.
Official Statements
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the port continues to demonstrate that economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Beatrice Hsu noted that, marking the 20th anniversary of the Clean Air Action Plan, these results serve as a reminder of what has been achieved, while acknowledging that work remains to be done. Port Executive Director Gene Seroka stated that these results show it is possible to move large volumes of cargo while continuing to reduce emissions, the product of years of investment, innovation, and collaboration across the maritime industry.
