Clean green record

CentrePort in Wellington has deployed seven Gaussin container transfer vehicles and trailers. Each unit can move two 20ft containers and has a towing capacity of 75t. CentrePort is the first port in New Zealand to commission 100% electric vehicles for land-based container transfer movement.

Derek Nind, CEO of CentrePort, said the vehicles are helping CentrePort towards its target of reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.

“Reducing carbon emissions is a key aspect of CentrePort’s regeneration and our ultimate aim is to reach net zero emissions by 2040,” he said.

“The Gaussin vehicles also deliver other business benefits including supply chain efficiencies and lower running costs. That’s good for our customers as well as the environment.”

12-hour operation

Each vehicle features a lithium battery pack that is capable of pulling full loads for 12 hours and has an eight-year life cycle. The vehicles replace diesel vehicles and will reduce carbon emissions by 230t per annum, around 8% of the port’s emissions annually.

The electric investment has been made possible by a green credit facility provided by New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF).

The NZGIF green credit facility is financing a range of other initiatives at CentrePort including the reintroduction of rail operations, after a gap of four years due to damage caused by the Kaikōura earthquake. This will reduce truck movements and emissions.