Terminal operator giants’ roadmap to electrification

The roadmap for electrification is the subject of an industry White Paper, endorsed by Eurogate, Port of Kalundborg and Smart Freight Centre, which shows that the ’tipping point’ for battery-electric container handling equipment can be reached within two to eight years with industry stakeholder backing.

“Battery-electric equipment in ports is a realistic, achievable and affordable way to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Throughout my career I’ve seen many industry players talk about various methods for achieving net-zero, but I’ve never been so convinced by one tactic’s ability to accelerate decarbonisation,” said Tiemen Meester, COO of ports & terminals, DP World.

“It is my sincere hope that the findings in the white paper can be used by the entire industry to galvanise real change with electric CHEs.”

Slashing emissions

The white paper details that in 2020, the global fleet of container handling equipment enabled the transportation of 815 million teu with a total value of US€8.1 trillion. Estimated at 100,000 to 120,000 units, the global CHE fleet is responsible for 10 to15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum (scope 1 and scope 2).

“Essentially, what we want is to provide a healthier, cleaner and more efficient workplace for the thousands working at the terminals and living in the communities around them.”

”And while electrification of of the container handling equipment is one piece of the puzzle, we believe it is one piece that can be addressed relatively easier and faster than others if we work together and avoid unnecessary complexity,” said Sahar Rashidbeigi, global head of decarbonisation at APM Terminals.

The white paper identifies key levers and related actions that can be taken by the players across the value chain including terminal operators, OEM’s, port authorities, affiliated government entities and shipping line operators.

It provides for a number of actions that can be taken to reach a tipping point, including making zero-emission operation a requirement as part of new concessions in ports and terminal operators and equipment manufacturers working together to scale up demand.

Furthermore, that suppliers can work on further developing their supply chains and standardising certain components, with the support of terminal operators.

APM Terminals and DP World are encouraging industry peers to review the research and support its goals.

As a next step, the partners are preparing to mobilise industry-wide collaboration around CHE electrification and zero-emission port operations.