QUICK vessel turnarounds and improved terminal efficiency are tipped to be benefits from a fleet of 15 electric internal transfer vehicles (eITVs) being deployed at Manila South Harbour in the Philippines.
The eITV initiative comes from stevedore DP World and strategic partner Asian Terminals Inc (ATI) and is valued around ₱hp120 million or AU$3.2m).
According to DP World, this is the first fleet of eITVs to be deployed for operations in the Philippines.
The machines are also expected to hasten the terminal’s progress towards running a fully decarbonised fleet by 2030 as well as improving landside efficiency.
Plans are said to be underway to facilitate the deployment of more electric equipment, including rubber-tired gantry cranes, side loaders, reach stackers and forklifts.
DP World Asia Pacific chief executive and managing director Glen Hilton said this was “a significant leap not only for DP World, but also for the Philippines as we continue to work with our partner, ATI, and local authorities to further power economic growth for the country”.
“We are proud to align this new chapter to our sustainability journey by investing in next-generation terminal equipment that operates on clean energy with zero emissions,” Mr Hilton said.
This initiative is said to align with the stevedore’s global decarbonisation roadmap, aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 42% reduction 2030 and reaching net-zero operations by 2050.
Philippine Ports Authority general manager Jay Daniel Santiago welcomed “private sector involvement in the industry’s green transition”.
“It is encouraging to see the private sector take the lead in ushering the ports and logistics sector into a cleaner and greener future – one that is not only ecologically sound but also beneficial for business, industry, and the broader community,” Mr Santiago said.
“Our aspiration is to make the Philippine port system a benchmark for sustainability.
“This initiative helps set the pace for greening the logistics sector, beginning with our major international gateways.”
The new eITVs are manufactured by Sany Heavy Industry Co and are equipped with high-capacity batteries, powerful electric drivetrains and advanced control systems that deliver safe, efficient, and zero-emission cargo movement.
The electric fleet underwent what the stevedore described as “a rigorous one-year technical and safety evaluation” by engineers from both DP World and ATI to ensure performance under local conditions.