VANCOUVER, B.C. — Westport Innovations, a manufacturer of alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies, has announced that Southern Counties Express (SCE) has placed an order for 50 Kenworth LNG T800 Class 8 trucks. The trucks are being purchased with financial support from the San Pedro Bay Ports’ Clean Trucks Program, an initiative led by the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).

“SCE has stepped forward to be the first significant fleet adopter and can now realize the benefits of clean, cost-effective LNG trucks powered by Westport’s high-efficiency, low-emission technology,” said Michael Gallagher, president and chief operating officer of Westport. “LNG fuel for heavy-duty trucks offers cleaner operation with a domestically available fuel.”

The LNG trucks were assembled at Inland Kenworth in California and are ready for deployment. The trucks are expected to commence container movement service at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (the San Pedro Bay Ports) over the next few weeks.

Brian Griley, SCE CEO, added, “As one of the first port operators running clean trucks using domestic LNG fuel, Southern Counties will be making a significant contribution to the San Pedro Bay Ports’ goal of reducing harmful particulate matter, NOx and greenhouse gases in the Los Angeles basin.”

Nine other Port trucking firms have also committed to the new LNG trucks in the initial port deployment. Westport expects to conclude purchase agreements with these fleets over the next few weeks now that funding approvals from the Ports and the City of Los Angeles are in place.