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SAN DIEGO ORDERS ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND MOBILE HARBOUR CRANES

4 years ago

The US West Coast port of San Diego is adding new electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet as it takes its first steps to converting to a zero emissions facility

The US West Coast port of San Diego is adding new electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet as it takes its first steps to converting to a zero emissions facility.

Investment of around US$820,000 has been approved by the board of the Californian port commissioners for 14 new EVs from National Auto Fleet Group (National Auto) with this representing an integral part of the port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), a key component of its vision of “Health Equity for All.”

The purchase is being made through the port’s Economic Recovery Programme, established as part of Federal Government stimulus funds previously received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of California’s Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Delivery of the new EVs is expected by Spring 2023. As well as these vehicles, the port has also ordered two Lordstown electric pickup trucks, due for delivery in Q3 2022.

San Diego has also ordered two eco-efficient Generation 6 Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbour Cranes. The order was placed in January 2022 and the units are expected to be operational during mid-2023.

The new cranes are for use at the port’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT) and have a dual purpose – to help support anticipated future cargo growth expectations, but to also help achieve future clean air goals.

Malcom explains the rationale behind the investment decision: “Konecranes has provided us with a unique solution that uses proven battery technology in a new way. Not only do these cranes have the power to lift the heaviest loads, but they are also all-electric, emitting no tailpipe emissions at all with much less noise….as we work towards our goal of zero emissions by 2030.”

The Generation 6 cranes can be connected to an external power supply or function drawing on onboard battery packs.

The new cranes are Gottwald ESP.9 units, each offering a working radius up to 59m and a lifting capacity of 200 tonnes, although use of the Tandem Lift Assistant increases this figure to 400 tonnes.