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The Port of San Diego's Board of Port Commissioners has approved a non-appealable coastal development permit to bring shore power to the marine terminal, located on the port's waterfront.

The project is a part of San Diego's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which sets aside funds for new facilities, road upgrades, parks or other improvements in the port's member cities.

The next step will take place in April 2013, when the board will select a contractor for the project. Construction is due to commence shortly after that, with expected completion of the project in December.

The shore power project would allow refrigerated cargo ships to 'plug in' and use electrical power from San Diego Gas & Electric, rather than run off their own diesel engines while at berth. The project calls for shore power equipment to be installed at two berths located at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.

The port's main tenant at the terminal, Dole Fresh Fruit Company, recently signed a new long-term lease. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the port and Dole agreed to work together on these infrastructure improvements.

The Port of San Diego is already equipped to provide shore power to cruise ships that berth at both its B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal and Broadway Pier.

Image: Dole Fresh Fruit at the Tenth Avenue Terminal, San Diego.