PATRICK Terminals are reporting a 15% reduction in scope‑one emissions at the Port of Fremantle following the introduction of nine battery electric Terberg terminal tractors.
Terminal manager Peter Chesi said operational results had been strong from the tractors which were being used for the first time at an Australian container terminal running heavy electric vehicles in a 24/7 operational environment.
The fleet, which replaces half of the terminal’s diesel tractors, has now completed its ARENA‑supported trial phase. Mr Chesi said the electric units haul up to 65 tonnes, and recharge to 80% in under an hour. He said the tractors are also significantly cheaper to power and maintain than their diesel equivalents.
The project received $2.5 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, which has now published its final knowledge‑sharing report on the deployment.
The report outlines the performance of the electric fleet, charging‑infrastructure requirements, operational integration and lessons for future electrification of heavy port equipment.
An announcement from Patrick said the results provide a template for scaling electric‑vehicle adoption across Australian terminals, particularly in high‑utilisation environments where emissions reduction and cost efficiency are key drivers.
The Fremantle deployment forms part of the company’s broader decarbonisation strategy, which includes equipment upgrades, energy‑efficiency initiatives and long‑term planning for alternative‑fuel technologies.
Terberg’s electric terminal tractors are part of a rapidly expanding global EV programme that now spans yard tractors, ro-ro units and body carriers.
The latest YT201EV and YT203EV models use LFP battery systems, regenerative braking and advanced thermal management to support multi‑shift port operations, with operators reporting lower noise, smoother traction and reduced maintenance.
ARENA said ports are emerging as one of Australia’s most important testbeds for heavy‑EV adoption, with the Fremantle results demonstrating that electrification can cut energy costs by around 60%, maintenance by 30% and emissions by 15% — a commercially compelling pathway for terminals assessing future fleet upgrades.
The Fremantle trial is expected to inform future investment decisions at Patrick’s east‑coast terminals as the company assesses pathways for electrifying yard equipment and reducing emissions across its national network.