- ZEPA welcomes Ampcontrol, Kalmar, and PSA Antwerp to its growing alliance, reinforcing its commitment to battery-electric container handling equipment (BE-CHE) adoption and zero-emission goals.
- The alliance now includes 14 members and has launched a 2025 Work Programme with four key workstreams focused on accelerating BE-CHE implementation.
- ZEPA calls for broader industry collaboration to overcome barriers in electrification, infrastructure, and standardisation, while scaling zero-emission port operations globally.
The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA) continues to gain traction in its mission to drive the decarbonisation of the global container port industry. With the addition of new high-profile members—Ampcontrol, Kalmar, and PSA Antwerp—the alliance has grown to 14 members, with expectations for more partners to join in the near future. ZEPA’s expanding coalition reflects the growing momentum behind the adoption of Battery-Electric Container Handling Equipment (BE-CHE) and broader zero-emission initiatives, according to Maritime Informed.
Rising Demand and Shared Commitment
ZEPA has identified a significant increase in demand across the industry for BE-CHE and is encouraging early adoption of voluntary standards and a shift toward low-emission port operations. By expanding the alliance, ZEPA reinforces its mission to make BE-CHE more affordable, accessible, and scalable, while highlighting the essential role of reliable power grids in this transition.
Launching the 2025 Work Programme
During the recent TOC conference in Rotterdam, ZEPA unveiled its 2025 Work Programme, which outlines four strategic workstreams aimed at addressing the core challenges hindering widespread BE-CHE adoption:
- Load Profile Scenario Explorer: A tool to support port electrification decisions by assessing the impact of BE-CHE and other energy demands on terminal load profiles and grid capacity.
- Updated Voluntary Standards and Support: A commitment to regularly updating ZEPA’s voluntary design standards for battery-electric terminal tractors (BE-TT) and straddle carriers (BE-SC), while assisting with practical implementation.
- Financial Instruments and Models: Exploring concessional finance, subsidies, and alternative funding mechanisms to reduce the capital burden and promote broader adoption of BE-CHE.
- Transition Planning for Electric Fleets: Providing a structured roadmap for stakeholders to navigate operational, technical, and financial considerations during the shift to electric equipment.
Industry Voices on Collaboration and Impact
Leaders from across the alliance expressed optimism and urgency for coordinated action. Jack Craig, Head of Business Implementation Management at APM Terminals, highlighted the need to address systemic barriers and unify the industry under shared standards. “We’re nearing a tipping point for affordable, electrified equipment,” he noted.
Echoing this sentiment, DP World’s COO Tiemen Meester underscored the importance of aligning port infrastructure with equipment electrification goals: “We must ensure our power capabilities evolve in step with the shift to zero-emission equipment—this requires sector-wide collaboration.”
PSA Belgium’s Managing Director Edward Tah reinforced the importance of ZEPA’s collaborative structure, noting PSA Antwerp’s pioneering role in deploying Europe’s first fully electric straddle carrier. “Through ZEPA, we aim to scale up zero-emission operations by working hand-in-hand with global industry leaders,” he said.
An Open Call for Industry-Wide Participation
ZEPA is managed by Systemiq, an independent third-party Secretariat, and remains fully compliant with anti-trust and competition laws under external legal oversight. The alliance invites OEMs, terminal operators, and port authorities to join and contribute to the shared mission of transforming the port sector through sustainable, zero-emission solutions.
As ZEPA enters its next phase of growth and implementation, its expanding network and action-driven approach place it at the forefront of global port decarbonisation efforts.
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Source: Maritime Informed
