Grant boosts APMT’s electrification pilot

The terminal operator is investing US$5 million in a pilot programme to electrify port equipment and help meet its net zero in 2040 ambition.

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant has enabled the replacement of seven diesel terminal tractors with new Mafi T 230e electric terminal tractors (eTTs).

“The project wouldn’t have been possible without the funding assistance and support from the US Environmental Protection Agency,” said Henrik Kristensen, managing director of APM Terminals Elizabeth.

“APM Terminals has set a goal to reach net zero in 2040 with one of the tools being the use of electric container handling equipment.”

Developed in collaboration with the non-profit Leonardo Academy, the pilot will explore performance and operational aspects of using the electric trucks.

The new eTTs, which support both plug-in and wireless charging, will contribute to yard, rail and vessel operations. They can operate for 16 to 20 hours after just two hours of charge time and will be charged using 100% renewable energy.

Induction charging

To enable the use of the eTTs, the terminal has installed nine Heliox level 3 60-180 kW fast charging stations.

In a terminal industry first on the US East Coast, the installation also includes an InductEV wireless level 3,150 kW fast charging station that allows trucks to recharge simply by parking over a charging pad.

With full use, the port reports that each eTT saves up to 1,100 tons of greenhouse gas generation annually compared to Ottawa T2 diesel tractors.