5 December 2023 (Lloyd's List) - APM TERMINALS and DP World have used a session at COP28 to launch an industry-wide coalition to accelerate the decarbonisation of zero-emissions container handling equipment.
The Zero Emission Port Alliance, which will start its activities early next year, is open to all industry participants, including terminal operators, equipment manufacturers, port authorities and government entities, the terminal operators said in a joint statement.
The aim of the alliance is to promote the use of battery-electric container handling equipment to reduce emissions at ports and terminals. It is basing its work off a recent White Paper the two companies commissioned.
“The findings show that it is possible for battery-electric container handling equipment to become as or more competitive than diesel equivalents as it becomes more affordable, attractive and accessible,” the statement said.
“The point where this happens can occur in the next two to eight years, but only with focused collective action by the entire port ecosystem.”
The alliance will focus on encouraging increased production of equipment by manufacturers to reduce production costs and on bringing down the cost of batteries and charging options by simplifying equipment and increasing its interoperability.
It will also make efforts to ensure terminal operators and power grids are ready for both shore power roll-outs and the electrification of equipment.
“ZEPA members will inform the work programme and deliverables based on their practical experience and needs,” the alliance said.
“Through their membership, companies will accelerate the availability of affordable battery-electric container handling equipment and will benefit from advantages gained from having a seat at the table in this industry-wide collective action.”
APMT global head of technical Jack Craig said the industry was in a strong position to drive change to decarbonise ports.
“I believe the launch of the Zero Emission Port Alliance is a vital step in the right direction,” he said.
“Today’s launch is a catalyst for collective decarbonisation action across the port industry and a signal to all our colleagues that we are serious about combatting climate change.”
DP World chief operating officer Tiemen Meester added that affordable equipment would only become available with industry-wide action.
“The Zero Emission Port Alliance is a results-driven coalition with a clear focus, set up to support and deliver tangible short-term action,” Meester said. “I truly believe we are capable of driving the change needed to make port electrification happen.”
Advocates of equipment electrification argue that it is low-hanging fruit in the decarbonisation debate. If all terminals were electrified it would save emissions equivalent to a small country and would not rely on hard-to-obtain low- or zero-carbon fuels.
But costs remain high and there are questions regarding the availability of electricity via existing grids to meet the requirements, and of sufficient equipment at costs competitive with diesel equivalents.
