Port of Santos moves to electric cranes

A total of 22 diesel-fuelled units will be electrified by the end of next year, at a cost of more than US$16.2 million.

The first RTG machine in the fleet already operates sustainably on 100% electric power and, by the end of 2023, another four machines will be converted. Electrifying all RTGs will reduce the terminal’s diesel consumption by up to 60%, says DP World.

“The conversion of the RTGs is a critical step in our decarbonisation efforts and aligns with our overall focus on sustainability,” said Fábio Siccherino, chief executive of DP World Santos.

“In addition to improved environmental care and climate performance, this change is also expected to bring additional operational benefits, as the technology offers low maintenance costs, increased productivity of the RTGs, and improved equipment reliability,” he added.

DP World is already investing US$35 million this year to expand and modernise its facilities. The company has an additional 130,000 square meters available for expansion in the port area, a move which will increase annual container handling capacity from 1.2 million teu to 1.4 million teu and expand the size of the quay from 1,100 metres to 1,300 metres.