APM Terminals, DP World team up to speed electrification push

News Story
- 2 Nov 2023 ( #1152 ) - The Hague, Netherlands
2 min read
The White Paper includes a road map to net-zero port operations globally
The White Paper includes a road map to net-zero port operations globally

Dutch port and container terminal operator APM Terminals and Dubai-based logistics company DP World have joined forces to push for acceleration of the electrification of port operations.

The two companies say they’ve identified a “tipping point” for battery-electric container handling equipment (CHE) that could be reached within the next two to eight years.

A roadmap for net-zero port operations within eight years is part of an industry White Paper commissioned by APM Terminals and developed by Systemiq and ZEnMo. It's been endorsed by Eurogate, Port of Kalundborg and Smart Freight Centre.

“Let me be clear: we need to accelerate our work in decarbonisation, and we need to do it now,” says APM Terminals chief executive officer Keith Svendsen.

“I am happy to say the research we conducted … 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.”

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  (20-foot equivalent units), with a total value of USD8.1 trillion. 

Estimated at 100,000-120,000 units, the global CHE fleet is responsible for 10-15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum.

The White Paper found the challenges hampering the uptake of battery-electric CHE can be mostly overcome. 

The document identifies key levers and related actions that can be taken by the players across the value chain including terminal operators, original equipment makers (OEMs), port authorities, affiliated government entities and shipping line operators.

"Battery-electric equipment in ports is a realistic, achievable and affordable way to dramatically reduce carbon emissions,” says DP World chief operating officer of ports and terminals Tiemen Meester.

“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."

LA Berth transitions to electric forklift fleet
LA Berth transitions to electric forklift fleet 15 May 2025 - Los Angeles, CA, United States - 1 min read
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas electrification factory built
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas electrification factory built 8 May 2025 - Houston, TX, United States - 1 min read
Chilean port’s equipment investment
Chilean port’s equipment investment 6 Feb 2025 - Port of Iquique, Chile - 1 min read
Previously about:
ZMPC STS cranes delivered to Croatia News Story - 20 Feb 2025 - Rijeka, Croatia - 1 min read
New reachstacker for Suez Canal Container Terminal News Story - 12 Dec 2024 - Suez, Egypt - 1 min read
Maasvlakte II (MVII) terminal places large AGV order News Story - 31 Oct 2024 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - 1 min read
DP World invests in port equipment News Story - 15 May 2025 - London, United Kingdom - 1 min read
New STSs and RTGs to be introduced in Maputo News Story - 8 May 2025 - Maputo, Mozambique - 1 min read
DP World completes hydrogen RTG initial testing News Story - 1 May 2025 - Vancouver, BC, Canada - 2 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

It’s the year 2000. You’re in front of a boxy beige desktop waiting for the screeching ramblings of your dial-up to reach its finale. You go to Yahoo!, MSN, or maybe AOL, and start the mind-numbing process of finding your very specific needle in the digital haystack. And with web pages loading one image at a time, patience isn’t just a virtue – it’s a requirement!

As clumsy as this early iteration seems now, this technology was the great enabler that allowed Forkliftaction to connect to the industry across the globe.  

To everyone who has connected with Forkliftaction in the past 25 years, thank you for your contribution to our success! We feel deeply touched by your words of encouragement.

What has Forkliftaction meant to you? Drop us a line.

Words of support …

I know I can count on them. They give valuable suggestions on the campaign planning, and to publish content is as easy as abc, as they take care of the material layout and check links. This is a great support.

Annalisa Castellini, Marketing Manager

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Since July 2000, Forkliftaction News has been your guide to the developments that are shaping your industry.

Starting today we are also looking back on some of the key news stories from our extensive news archive.

In the news email and on the website, you'll see links to stories that were 'leading our news' multiple years ago, with topics spanning world-first products, big acquisitions, and major industry shifts.
We hope you enjoy this unique insight into the materials handling industry!

PREMIUM business

VETTER Industrie GmbH
The world's most comprehensive range of forks and the most intelligent sensor fork for more safety and efficiency.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Showcased in the Virtual Expo

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

It’s the year 2000. You’re in front of a boxy beige desktop waiting for the screeching ramblings of your dial-up to reach its finale. You go to Yahoo!, MSN, or maybe AOL, and start the mind-numbing process of finding your very specific needle in the digital haystack. And with web pages loading one image at a time, patience isn’t just a virtue – it’s a requirement!

As clumsy as this early iteration seems now, this technology was the great enabler that allowed Forkliftaction to connect to the industry across the globe.  

To everyone who has connected with Forkliftaction in the past 25 years, thank you for your contribution to our success! We feel deeply touched by your words of encouragement.

What has Forkliftaction meant to you? Drop us a line.