NEXT-GENERATION HYBRID CRUISE VESSEL DEBUTS AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES

June 4, 2026 - A new hybrid, 350-passenger vessel is now in operation at the Port of Los Angeles, the result of a Port-led partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Port of Long Beach.

The Harbor Breeze Cruises' El Escudo harbor craft features some of the newest emission-reduction technologies on the market. The vessel made its maiden voyage through the Port's Main Channel on May 25. El Escudo will be berthed at the Port of Los Angeles and serve the San Pedro Bay ports.

"Harbor Breeze Cruises is committed to helping create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable harbor for everyone," said Capt. Dan Salas, founder and owner of Harbor Breeze Cruises. "This new hybrid passenger vessel is just the beginning of our efforts to help reduce our operational emissions in the San Pedro Bay. Our appreciation to the California Air Resources Board and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach for their partnership and tremendous support of this initiative."

"Our harbor communities have for generations powered the economy of this region, and we deserve to see investments in clean infrastructure that will enable everyone to breathe cleaner air," said Los Angeles City Council member Tim McOsker, whose 15th district includes the Port. "The launch of El Escudo is an important step forward, demonstrating how new technologies can help reduce emissions and improve air quality for neighborhoods surrounding the Port. I am proud to see the Port of Los Angeles and Harbor Breeze Cruises leading the way in innovation and environmental stewardship."

"This vessel is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together toward and invest in a zero-emission future," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. "With its capacity to operate for up to two hours on battery power alone with zero emissions, El Escudo is proof that the future of clean transport isn't just possible - it's already happening."

The vessel features a parallel hybrid propulsion system, enabling operation in fully electric (zero-emission), diesel, or hybrid modes. It exceeds U.S. EPA Tier 4 and CARB Commercial Harbor Craft emissions standards.

As part of its operational plan, the vessel will operate at least 30% of the time in zero-emission mode, with some trips achieving 100% zero-emission operations, depending on route and runtime requirements.

Development and testing were conducted under the Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction (LA MER) Project, supported by a $31 million CARB grant and $30 million in project partner matching funds, to test and evaluate two different harbor craft emission-reduction technologies. The Harbor Breeze Cruises Zero-Emission Advanced Technology (ZEAT) vessels and Catalina Channel Express high-speed ferry operating on renewable diesel with Tier 4 engines, are projected to reduce over 60 tons of emissions annually.

CARB is funding the grant through its Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology, or SHIFT, an incentive fund supported by California Climate Investments.

"This project highlights how strategic partnerships can accelerate the adoption of cleaner maritime technologies," said Peter Christensen, Air Resources Supervisor at CARB. "Deploying vessels like El Escudo helps improve air quality and public health through reduced emissions, and advance solutions that can be replicated statewide."

Harbor Breeze Cruises invested $7.5 million in the vessel's development and is advancing additional low- and zero-emission vessels. A second hybrid vessel under the LA MER project, with an additional $7.5 million in match share, and a third vessel, funded separately, are currently in development.

As part of the grant, the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach each committed to contributing $250,000 to support a technology evaluation study of harbor craft vessels and technologies. Additionally, both Ports will provide funding for at least 50 excursion trips each on the zero-emission capable vessels over the twelve-month project demonstration period.

In addition to the CARB grant, the Port of Los Angeles has committed $2.45 million and the Port of Long Beach $1.05 million through the joint Technology Advancement Program to support the development of harbor craft charging infrastructure and additional vessel technologies that were not available at the time of the original grant award.

About Harbor Breeze
Harbor Breeze Cruises is a premier provider of marine tourism and event experiences in the Los Angeles region. For decades, Harbor Breeze has offered scenic harbor tours, whale watching excursions, and special event cruises that showcase the natural beauty and vibrant maritime culture of the Los Angeles and Long Beach port complex. Known for its commitment to guest satisfaction and safety, Harbor Breeze operates a modern fleet and continues to innovate in service offerings that appeal to residents and visitors.

About the Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT) Program
SHIFT is an incentive program administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) supporting the development and demonstration of advanced, low- and zero-emission technologies for heavy-duty vehicles, off-road equipment, and goods movement. Formerly known as Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Projects, SHIFT investments help accelerate the transition of emerging technologies from pre-commercial demonstration to commercial deployment by supporting early deployments and at-scale testing in real-world use. As a part of CARB's Clean Transportation Incentives, SHIFT projects advance innovative on- and off-road solutions that reduce air pollution, improve public health and support California's climate and air quality goals.

About the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
This project is part of Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT), a program administered by the California Air Resources board and funded through California Climate Investments.

CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.

About California Climate Investments (CCI)
California Climate Investments uses billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to fund projects that reduce harmful emissions, protect public health, strengthen local economies, and support natural environments. With a strong focus on communities most impacted by pollution and limited access to resources, California Climate Investments help build a more equitable and sustainable future.