PTP advances Malaysia’s electric port transition

The first 21 e-PMs, supplied by Terberg Tractors Malaysia (TTM), entered service on 11 August 2026 for horizontal container movements within the terminal.

The deployment is the first phase of a 52-unit procurement programme agreed between PTP and TTM in December 2025, with the remaining 31 units due to be delivered by the end of September.

“These new assets are not solely about advancing our sustainability ambitions. They also form an integral part of PTP’s long-term expansion programme,” said PTP chief executive Mark Hardiman, adding that the port is targeting handling capacity of 16.3 million teu annually by 2029.

A proof-of-concept carried out between 2023 and 2024 demonstrated the potential environmental and financial benefits of electrification. PTP said an e-PM generated 4,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO₂eq) per month, compared with 7,600 kgCO₂eq from conventional units, representing a 48% emissions reduction. Monthly operational costs per unit were also reduced by 57%.

The e-PM deployment forms part of PTP’s wider decarbonisation strategy, which targets a 45% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

PTP has progressively electrified its rubber-tyred gantry crane fleet since 2011, with 245 electric RTGs now in operation. Hardiman said the e-PMs represented ‘another important step’ in the transition towards lower-carbon port operations.

The port is also advancing green infrastructure and international collaboration through initiatives including IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 programme, Australian Partnerships for Infrastructure and a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Melbourne.

The remaining e-PMs will be progressively commissioned through September, completing PTP’s 52-unit electric fleet and supporting its long-term growth plans.