The propane power alternative for port equipment

In order to keep pace with international shipping activity across the globe, ports need reliable material handling equipment and some are turning to propane can be a go-to fuel for a wide variety of applications.

“Propane has been a trusted engine fuel in the transportation sector for both on and off-road vehicles for several decades, backed by the most trusted engine and fuel system manufacturers,” said Jeremy Wishart, director of off-road business development for the Propane Education & Research Council.

“Unlike diesel, propane equipment can be safely operated indoors and outdoors, because of its clean, low-emissions profile.”

Propane power

TICO Manufacturing recently launched a new propane terminal tractor powered by PSI’s emissions-certified 8.8-litre engine.

According to data from the Argonne National Laboratory, propane autogas terminal tractors produce 12% fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered terminal tractors.

Propane is also suitable for material handling.

“Propane-powered forklifts keep crews more productive because they don’t lose power throughout the workday and a fast, easy cylinder change gets them back in business quickly,” said Mr Wishart.

Also, operators also don’t have to worry about downtime for recharging, like with electric equipment.

Bulk export

This aside, propane as a commodity has created an opportunity for some ports during the pandemic.

Port Prince Rupert in Canada has just recently had a cargo volume spike driven largely by coal, propane, wood pellets and other bulk exports.

Prince Rupert’s Ridley Terminal reported a 26% jump in volume driven by thermal coal exports, while wood pellet exports from Pinnacle Renewable Energy’s Westview Terminal increased 33%.

2020 was also the first full year of operations at AltaGas Ltd.’s Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal.

These increases helped the port mitigate a drop in container cargo which was down 6% on the year and as much as 19% in 2020’s second quarter. Passenger volume through the port was also hit hard by cruise ship cancellations and declining BC Ferries ridership.

Going forward, the port expects that increased energy and resources demand in Asia will continue to drive bulk cargo volume through the port in 2021 and will be a key market for the port going forward.

The port and its stakeholders are investing in a number of projects to this end including Vopak Pacific Canada’s investment in a new bulk storage/marine berth at Ridley Island for liquefied petroleum gas and other fuels.