Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) has officially commenced its ambitious plan to electrify operations at its Euromax terminal, marking a significant step towards its goal of becoming completely emission-free by 2035.
E-HERO: Driving Electrification at ECT
The E-HERO initiative marks the beginning of a crucial transition for ECT’s operations. The core of the project involves electrifying its fleet of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which are central to moving containers within the terminal. The CEF support will specifically contribute to:
- The purchase of new electric AGVs.
- The acquisition of electric terminal trucks (e-TTs), used for transporting containers between the quay and the container yard.
- The development and installation of the necessary electrical infrastructure, including advanced fast chargers, to support this electrified fleet.
This move is particularly impactful as AGVs and terminal trucks are intensive users of fossil fuels in traditional terminal operations.
The Role of EU Funding in Green Transition
ECT CEO Leo Ruijs emphasized the critical role of funding mechanisms like the CEF program in enabling ports and terminals to advance their sustainability goals. Ruijs stated, “Without this kind of support, transitioning to emission-free operations would be significantly harder.” This highlights the substantial capital investment required for such large-scale green transformations in infrastructure.
Olivier Silla, who heads the Sustainable Networks and Investments department at the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), underscored the broader significance of programs like E-HERO. CINEA is an EU agency established to manage programs that contribute to decarbonization and sustainable growth, playing a key role in supporting the European Green Deal. Silla noted that “This project delivers real-world progress in the green transition of European ports,” demonstrating the tangible impact of EU investments in sustainable infrastructure development.
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Source: Container News
