Two terminal operators call on ports to electrify box handling equipment

Two of the world’s largest terminal operators have joined forces to highlight the urgent need for ports to electrify container handling equipment, a niche segment of the global supply chain that is responsible for up to 15m tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

APM Terminals and DP World have announced an initiative to accelerate decarbonisation of the world’s terminals through the widespread electrification of container handling equipment. The initiative is grounded in research showing the tipping point for battery-electric container handling equipment over erstwhile diesel can be reached within the next two to eight years with the right actions from industry stakeholders.

The research findings and roadmap for electrification of container handling equipment are the subject of an industry white paper, currently endorsed by Eurogate, Port of Kalundborg, and Smart Freight Centre.

Estimated at 100,000-120,000 units, the global container handling equipment fleet is responsible for 10m to 15m tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum as defined by scope 1 and scope 2 emissions.