- ZEPA celebrates its first anniversary with three reports detailing strategies for port decarbonisation.
- Rising demand for battery-electric container handling equipment (BE-CHE) is reshaping the industry.
- New voluntary design standards aim to reduce costs and improve interoperability.
- Upgrading port power infrastructure is essential to meet increasing energy demands.
- Collaborative efforts among ZEPA members set a benchmark for achieving zero-emission ports.
The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), as reported by APM Terminals, marks its one-year anniversary with the release of three pivotal reports that highlight advancements in the electrification of port operations. Established in 2023, ZEPA unites port operators, authorities, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to accelerate the adoption of BE-CHE and ensure its affordability and accessibility within this decade. With 12 active members, the alliance is making significant strides toward transforming ports into sustainable, zero-emission hubs.
Accelerating Demand for Battery-Electric Equipment
ZEPA’s reports underscore a rapid increase in demand for BE-CHE over the coming years. By 2035, nearly all new container-handling equipment purchases by ZEPA terminal operators—accounting for 15% of the market—are projected to be battery-electric, signaling the obsolescence of diesel-fueled machinery. The share of electric equipment in purchases is expected to grow significantly, driven by regulatory policies, decarbonisation targets, and narrowing cost differences between electric and diesel machinery.
This shift reflects terminal operators’ commitments to sustainability and underscores the urgency for OEMs to align product portfolios with the electric revolution. If the cost gap closes sooner, the adoption of BE-CHE could accelerate even further, paving the way for widespread industry transformation.
Voluntary Standards to Drive Adoption
The lack of standardisation in the BE-CHE market has posed a major barrier to adoption, resulting in inefficiencies and higher costs. ZEPA’s second report introduces the ZEPA 2024 Voluntary Standards, which include 11 open standards for battery-electric terminal tractors and straddle carriers.
These standards, developed collaboratively by manufacturers and port users, aim to enhance interoperability and reduce costs. The electrification of terminal tractors, which are the highest-emitting vehicles, is prioritized due to their potential for significant impact. Straddle carriers, despite their higher total cost of ownership, are also addressed to overcome technical and economic challenges.
Strengthening Grid Infrastructure for Decarbonisation
The adoption of BE-CHE is expected to significantly increase power demands at ports, with electric loads potentially multiplying by 2030. ZEPA’s third report emphasizes the need for infrastructure upgrades to prevent operational bottlenecks and ensure decarbonisation goals are met.
Collaboration among port authorities, tenants, and grid operators is essential to manage load requirements and avoid demand peaks. The report includes a Port Electrification Toolkit, offering stakeholders practical strategies to optimize grid capacity and maintain operational efficiency as they transition to electrified operations.
A Unified Industry Commitment
Over the past year, ZEPA has demonstrated the power of collective action by bringing together competitors and industry leaders to develop open solutions for the entire sector. Members such as APM Terminals, DP World, CATL, and others have worked collaboratively across workstreams, supported by Systemiq’s analytical expertise.
The alliance’s efforts, endorsed by leading entities like Eurogate, underscore the potential for unified action to drive the decarbonisation of global ports. ZEPA’s first year sets a strong foundation for a sustainable future, ensuring that ports worldwide can transition to cleaner, more efficient operations.
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Source: APM Terminals
