Coinciding with COP26 in Glasgow, Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has announced a major investment in new equipment to help decarbonise its operations. The UK's largest container port has placed orders for 48 battery-powered terminal tractors and 17 zero-emission Remote controlled Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes (ReARTGs).
The new two-wheel drive tractor units, to be supplied by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd (ZPMC), will be the first electric tractors at the UK's largest container port. ZPMC are working with their partner Shacman to develop the battery-powered tractor units.The ReARTGs, which will be fitted with the latest semi-automation technology, will be supplied by Konecranes Finland.
Commenting on the investment, Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Felixstowe, said: "This order represents the latest part of our plan to reduce the environmental impact of our operations.” He said the new equipment would save 6,662 tonnes of CO2 and 59.38 tonnes of NOx emissions every year.
Clemence Cheng, Managing Director Hutchison Ports Europe and joint chair of Hutchison Ports Group Sustainability Committee, commented: "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and Hutchison Ports is committed to playing its part by minimising the impact of port operations on the environment. Promoting a culture of technological innovation and adoption of alternative fuels is a key strand of our strategy. This investment takes us another step nearer to our goal."
Photo: Port of Felixstowe. Image courtesy of the Port of Felixstowe.