DP World and APM Terminals Unite to Drive Port Electrification with Zero Emission, the Port Alliance for sustainable port operations. Global port operators DP World and APM Terminals have joined forces to establish the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA). The primary objective of ZEPA is to leverage collective bargaining to reduce the costs associated with battery-electric port equipment, thereby encouraging the widespread electrification of ports globally.
Scheduled to kick off in the upcoming year, ZEPA’s founders anticipate that their efforts will act as a catalyst, prompting both affiliated and non-affiliated ports to adopt electrification initiatives.
While electrifying stationary or rail-mounted port equipment is a relatively straightforward process through cable connections to grid power, the challenge lies in electrifying moving equipment like forklifts. These machines, due to constant use, present fewer opportunities for recharging.
Several pioneering strategies have emerged at leading ports worldwide. California’s Long Beach, grappling with air pollution concerns, has deployed battery-powered automated guided vehicles (AGVs) powered by 11-ton battery packs. These packs are efficiently swapped during the day to maintain continuous machinery uptime.
Similarly, Hamburg’s Altenwerder terminal (CTA) has converted AGVs to battery power, while Singapore’s Tuas facility boasts 54 battery-powered AGVs.
A joint white paper released in October by APMT and DP World highlighted that factoring in downtime for recharging increased the total cost of owning terminal equipment by 14%, 34%, and 15% for terminal tractors, straddle carriers, and reach-stackers, respectively. However, the increased purchase price was partially offset by the lower cost of electricity compared to diesel fuel.
The white paper forecasted a “tipping point” in the near future, where the capital cost of electric port equipment would significantly decrease, making it a more economically viable choice.
To realize this vision, concerted efforts are required from ports to send strong signals to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and shipping lines can contribute by engaging with customers to identify requirements for end-to-end zero-emission supply chains.
Jack Craig, Global Head of Technical at APMT, expressed optimism about the industry’s ability to drive meaningful change, stating, “The launch of the Zero Emission Port Alliance is a vital step in the right direction. It is apt for us to launch ZEPA at COP28, where so many significant conversations are taking place to achieve net zero. Today’s launch is a catalyst for collective decarbonization action across the port industry and a signal to all our colleagues that we are serious about combatting climate change.”
Sources: The Loadstar
