APM Terminals and DP World have established a joint endeavor to expedite terminal decarbonisation through extensive electrification of container handling equipment (CHE).

“The initiative is grounded in research showing the tipping point for battery-electric CHE can be reached within the next 2-8 years with the right actions from industry stakeholders,” says a release from DP World.

According to the announcement, the research findings and path for CHE electrification are the subject of an industry white paper that is now endorsed by Eurogate, Port of Kalundborg, and Smart Freight Centre.

“CHE is a critical enabler of port operations and is used to move containers on and off ships across the world’s 940 container ports. In 2020, the global fleet of CHE enabled the transportation of 815 million TEUs with a total value of $8.1 trillion. Estimated at 100,000-120,000 units, the global CHE fleet is responsible for 10-15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum.”

Keith Svendsen, CEO, APM Terminals says: “Let me be clear: we need to accelerate our work in decarbonisation, and we need to do it now. I am happy to say the research we conducted through Systemiq and ZEnMo strongly backs that a tipping point for the electrification for [CHE] is within reach in this decade. We are now calling for action for the entire port ecosystem to accelerate towards this milestone. It is important for us to stand together, take concrete action with several industry partners for this to happen.”

Tiemen Meester, COO, Ports & Terminals, DP World adds: “Battery-electric equipment in ports is a realistic, achievable and affordable way to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Throughout my career, I’ve seen many industry players talk about various methods for achieving net-zero but I’ve never been so convinced by one tactic’s ability to accelerate decarbonisation. It is my sincere hope that the findings in the white paper can be used by the entire industry to galvanise real change with electric CHEs.”