Green agenda at PEMA Forum

PEMA’s tenth forum brought together key players from the world of port equipment and technology, plus members of the container terminal operator community, for lively, unscripted debate on current and future challenges.

The third session during the forum focused on the environment and in particular shore side power and electric RTGs with a panel made up of Philippe Barabinot from Continental Tyres, Luciano Corbetta from Cavotec, Lawrence Henesey from Vahle and Frank Kho from Kalmar.

Luciano Corbetta, group market unit manager, ports & maritime, Cavotec, explained why electrification is gaining pace but shore side power is lagging behind.

“In the US the situation is different because shore side power is mandatory. But in Europe there is more of a problem with infrastructure. About 500 vessels are now geared up for shore side power though so this is paving the way for more ready uptake in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Henesey, key account manager, Vahle, talked about why the electric RTG is so popular in China.

“Traditionally many more conventional RTGs were delivered to China so e-RTGs have really taken off over there. We’ve been more focused on straddle carriers and reach stackers in Europe. At the moment there is a problem with charging points, short term LNG is more interesting but electricity is more sustainable and workable long-term.”

Companies that took part in the forum this year included Kalmar, TT Club, Konecranes, IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Navis, Cavotec, Continental Tyres, Vahle, APS, ABB Crane Systems, Certus Port Automation, LASE and Moffatt & Nichol.

Founded in 2004, PEMA provides a forum and public voice for the global port equipment and technology sectors. It now has over 70 member companies representing all facets of the industry.