In a strategic move to reduce carbon emissions and modernize its terminal operations, APM Terminals has signed a Master Framework Agreement with SANY Marine for the supply of battery-electric terminal tractors.
The deal represents a major milestone in APM Terminals’ journey toward achieving net-zero emissions and marks the largest global electric terminal truck order for SANY Marine to date.
By replacing 500 diesel-powered units across its global network by 2030, APM Terminals is standardising its shift to greener, battery-electric equipment.
500 Diesel Tractors to Be Replaced by 2030
The agreement outlines a plan to replace around 500 diesel-powered terminal tractors with battery-electric models across APM Terminals’ global operations by 2030. This aligns with the company’s decarbonisation roadmap that prioritises standardisation, electrification, and the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Olaf Gelhausen, COO of APM Terminals, stressed the company’s action-oriented approach: “APM Terminals is accelerating the decarbonisation of our operations through battery-electric equipment, renewable energy and energy efficiency,”
A Full-Cycle Strategic Partnership
The agreement, signed in Zhuhai, China, by Grant Morrison (APM Terminals) and Jeff Fu (SANY Marine), goes beyond equipment supply. It transitions from a traditional CapEx model to a full-cycle partnership, offering end-to-end support — from operations and maintenance to optimisation over the equipment’s lifespan.
According to Morrison, “The multi-year agreement builds on the 2024 Strategic Supplier Council hosted by APM Terminals, which highlighted our goal of creating win-win partnerships,”
Accelerating the Industry’s Shift to Zero Emissions
This partnership supports the broader Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), co-founded by APM Terminals in 2023. ZEPA aims to advance port electrification and promote the use of zero-emission equipment globally.
Olaf Gelhausen added, “We’ve seen not only technological progress, but also improved affordability in battery-electric equipment. This boosts our confidence in achieving our net-zero targets and demonstrates industry-wide momentum.”
The APM Terminals–SANY Marine agreement is more than a procurement deal—it’s a statement of intent. By committing to large-scale electrification and long-term partnerships, APM Terminals is setting a benchmark for sustainable terminal operations. With industry alliances and smarter, cleaner technology, the path to net-zero ports is becoming clearer—and more achievable.
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Source: APM Terminals
