The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) in the US Pacific Northwest region has taken delivery of its second battery-electric forklift, as it continues to strive to reduce its carbon emissions.

The new forklift is one of several pieces of zero-emission cargo handling equipment being deployed at the breakbulk terminal, which is managed and operated by the NWSA.

The forklift was delivered to the East Blair One (EB-1) Terminal in the Tacoma Harbor and was funded through a USD2,638,030 award from the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) 2023-2025 Port Electrification Grant Program. 

Grant funding is supporting the purchase of one battery-electric heavy-duty 36,000 lb. (16,330kg) forklift, two battery-electric 8,000 lb. (3.630kg) forklifts, and associated charging infrastructure for the group.

Dick Marzano, NWSA co-chair and Port of Tacoma Commission president, says: “The arrival of our second electric forklift marks real progress in modernising operations at East Blair One and reducing emissions from cargo handling activities”.

“These investments help us improve air quality, support the health of our workforce and neighbouring communities, and move closer to our long-term vision of being a zero-emission gateway,” he adds.

The new electric forklifts are replacing diesel-powered forklifts which have been among the most heavily utilised pieces of cargo-handling equipment at the terminal. As the new machine enters service, the NWSA says it expects measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and diesel pollution.

Ryan Calkins, NWSA co-chair and Port of Seattle Commission president adds: “We appreciate the state's investment in port electrification and its recognition of the important role ports play in advancing Washington's climate goals”.

The project is part of the NWSA's broader commitment to the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, which aims to phase out emissions from seaport-related activities in Seattle and Tacoma by 2050 or sooner. 

The WSDOT Port Electrification Grant Program provides critical funding to accelerate deployment of zero-emission technologies and infrastructure needed to achieve that goal. 

As charging infrastructure is installed and additional equipment is placed into service, the NWSA says it will continue advancing cleaner cargo operations while maintaining the efficient and reliable service customers expect from the NWSA gateway.

The manufacturer of the new forklift was not disclosed but has been reported in some mnedia as being Kalmar.