The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $333,185 to the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) to help retrofit five rubber-tired gantry cranes at the Conley shipping terminal in Boston, aiming to cut down on air pollution.

The funding, made possible under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), is part of nearly $28 million in grant funds being awarded by EPA nationwide for clean diesel projects in 2015, and is the only project in New England to be selected for DERA funding this year.

The grant will allow Massport to replace five older, Tier III diesel engines with current EPA Tier-4F certified diesel engines. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce annual emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and carbon dioxide by an estimated 7.62 tons, 0.06 tons and 155.4 tons, respectively. This is estimated to be the equivalent of planting 3,615 trees. The new Tier-4F engines are also more efficient, conserving approximately 2,800 gallons of diesel fuel per unit per year.

The grant will cover up to 25 percent of the labor and equipment costs of each of the engines. Massport will fund the rest of the $1.3 million project.

“Investing in this clean diesel project at the Conley Terminal will have long term health and environmental benefits for the city of Boston and the surrounding area. This important funding will allow improvements to crane engines, which will reduce emissions, conserve fuel and decrease air pollution promoting a healthier environment for all,” Rep. Stephen Lynch of Boston said in a statement. “As the Port of Boston continues it high shipping volumes and record productivity, it is even more important that we make investments to ensure this key part of the local economy is environmentally friendly.”