Efficient electric tractors

Bolloré Ports has ordered two new Gaussin APM 75T 100% electric port terminal tractors, four powerpacks and a 6×4 multi-charge station to equip Freetown Terminal in Sierra Leone.

“The Freetown container terminal has recently undergone major expansion works and has also invested in new state-of-the-art equipment to accommodate large capacity vessels. We are continuing to invest in ways to integrate environmental issues into our development strategy and thus contribute to reducing the impact of our activities on the environment,” said Bertrand Kerguelen, managing director of Freetown Terminal.

Saving energy and cutting carbon

The electric tractors will enable significant energy savings and will contribute to 100% carbon-free port logistics, as well as cutting noise pollution, reducing maintenance costs and increasing productivity, safety and driving comfort.

The APM 75T is equipped with batteries from Blue Solutions, a subsidiary of the Bolloré Group.

The APM is the only electric port vehicle on the market capable of operating without interruption due to Gaussin’s patented “battery swap” system that allows the batteries to be changed in just a few minutes.

The LMP battery used is an entirely solid-state technology, distinguished by its high energy density and safety of use. The solid electrolyte gives it a very high level of safety with no risk of thermal runaway.

It is particularly well suited to extreme weather conditions and to the demanding productivity of heavy handling vehicles.

The acquisition of this new equipment is fully in line with the Green Terminal labelling process launched by Bolloré Ports in June 2021 with the aim of gradually decarbonising the transportation of containers and vehicles driving in its port terminals.