Berth 55 at the Port of Los Angeles has completed the electrification of its entire forklift fleet from propane-fuelled machines, as the terminal operators look to transition to zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment.

Berth 55 is managed by SSA Marine and is an international fruit terminal with a fleet of 44 small-capacity and heavy-duty forklifts including one dozen 10,000 lbs. (4535kg) heavy-duty Hyster forklifts and another 32 Hyster 3,000lbs. (1,360kg) machines.

“Berth 55 is the first of SSA Marine’s terminals to fully transition to zero-emissions, cargo-handling equipment in its operations,” SSA Marine states.

“SSA Marine estimates this initiative will reduce propane fuel consumption at Berth 55 by nearly 44,000 gallons (166,558 litres) each year, as well as reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions by approximately 264 metric tons annually.”

Meghan Weinman, vice president of sustainability at SSA Marine, adds the project is the result of a three-year collaboration between SSA Marine, Port of Los Angeles and other stakeholders. 

“Achieving this sustainability milestone at Berth 55 reinforces SSA Marine’s commitment to environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and innovation, not just in breakbulk, but across our operations,” Weinman continues.

“We are proud to partner with the Port of Los Angeles on this ambitious project and we’re confident that Berth 55 will serve as a blueprint for future initiatives.”

SSA Marine says it continues to test and deploy hybrid and zero-emissions and hybrid equipment across its global operations.