In 2025 STAX Engineering joined the program as an ambassador. STAX is revolutionizing the maritime industry by removing harmful emissions from ships while at berth with their patented flexible exhaust capture system that effectively removes 99% of particulate matter (PM) and 95% of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from exhaust before it is released. BWBS asked STAX to share more on their work, the impact, and how it aligns with our efforts to protect whales and improve air quality.

STAX all female crew at work at The Port of Los Angeles California

Can you explain why mobile source air pollution is such a big issue in California, yet often a difficult one for many communities, especially those near major ports to address?

California is home to some of the busiest ports in the world, and the vessels moving through them are critical to our economy. But when ships are docked at port, their engines continue running and releasing toxic exhaust directly into the air. That pollution affects the environment and creates severe health risks for nearby communities—including increased rates of asthma, heart disease, dementia, and more. Port communities face exposure year after year.

Much of today’s fleet was built years ago and will likely remain in service for decades. Cleaning up those vessels isn’t as simple as replacing them, and long-term solutions like shore power (electrification) and alternative fuels require significant investment, infrastructure, and time.

That’s why we need solutions like STAX that can work with the fleet and infrastructure we have today. California has some of the most ambitious air quality standards in the world, and STAX is rising to the occasion, meeting those standards in a way that delivers cleaner air for communities without disrupting the movement of goods.

Can you explain how and why STAX was founded, and who your main customers are?

STAX was founded around a simple idea: we shouldn’t have to wait for the next generation of ships or infrastructure to start reducing emissions from the vessels operating today.

Our founder and CTO, Bob Sharp, envisioned and invented a mobile emissions capture and control system that could work with existing port infrastructure and vessels. STAX’s patented barge-based technology works alongside a vessel at berth, connects directly to its exhaust stack, and captures emissions at the source. Our system removes up to 99% of particulate matter and 95% of nitrogen oxides—two of the most consequential pollutants for public health.

Today, we work with ports, operators, and some of the world’s leading shipping companies across container, auto carrier, and tanker operations. STAX has treated more than 2,800 vessels for more than 48,000+ service hours and captured over 370 tons of pollutants across California.

STAX 1 connects to the Torm Anable at Olympus Terminals Port of Long Beach, CA

Why did STAX join BWBS as an ambassador, and how does STAX fit into the ecosystem of responsible shipping?

We joined Blue Whales Blue Skies because we share its belief that protecting the ocean and the communities around it requires meaningful action across the entire shipping ecosystem.

By encouraging commercial ships to slow down to 10 knots or less in designated ocean areas, BWBS helps protect marine life while also reducing fuel consumption and harmful air pollution. STAX is addressing a different part of that same journey. While BWBS helps reduce emissions while ships are at sea, our technology captures harmful exhaust when vessels are docked at berth, helping reduce pollution that directly impacts surrounding port communities.

We believe these efforts are complementary and reflect the important reality that there’s no single solution that will solve every maritime challenge. A more sustainable future requires a range of approaches that work together, from speed reduction initiatives like BWBS to emissions control technologies like STAX.

What excites you most about the opportunities ahead?

What excites us most is seeing STAX technology make a measurable difference every day. We’re watching large cargo ships come into port, connect to a STAX barge, and immediately begin reducing emissions that would normally impact the health of surrounding communities. That’s incredibly motivating. To date, we’ve treated more than 2,800 vessels, and we’re continuing to expand our fleet and reach.

We’re also excited about what’s ahead for STAX. We’re expanding our operations in Northern California and supporting growing demand for solutions that can reduce emissions without disruption. At the same time, we’re in active conversations about bringing our technology to markets beyond California. As more ports and operators look for practical, cost-effective ways to reduce emissions today, STAX is excited to help accelerate a clean-air future.

What do you wish more people knew about air quality solutions or challenges?

The maritime industry is developing important long-term solutions—other than emissions capture and control—including alternative fuels and electrification. But toxic emissions are impacting public health and surrounding environments right now, and that won’t go away without active change. Long-term goals are critical, but port communities can’t afford to wait decades for cleaner air.

That’s where practical, scalable solutions can make a difference. At STAX, we view emissions capture and control as a bridge between today’s infrastructure and a clean-air future—a way to reduce pollution from existing vessels now while the industry continues to develop.

Learn more at www.staxengineering.com.