NEW ZEALAND’s largest container port is committing more than NZD 3.5 million to the acquisition of the nation’s first all-electric straddle carrier, with associated charging infrastructure.
The Port of Tauranga’s trial will be co-funded by the Government’s Low Emission Transport Fund administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), which will contribute $447,000 to the project to accelerate its implementation.
Port of Tauranga CEO Leonard Sampson said the trial of the Kalmar unit would enable the port to test emerging technology in the high-demand environment of NZ’s international hub port.
“Diesel use in straddles is our largest source of carbon emissions, contributing around 54% of our Scope 1 emissions. Until now, we have only had the option of hybrid straddles as a lower emission alternative,” he said. “The support of EECA makes it feasible for us to test the rapidly developing electric straddle technology in a NZ port context.”
The trial will evaluate operational impacts, charging times, driver amenability and training requirements, reliability, safety and maintenance requirements. Findings will be shared with other NZ ports that have straddle carrier fleets.
“We hope the trial will give us confidence in operational efficacy, emissions reduction and technology reliability. It de-risks the implementation of new technology currently untested in NZ,” Mr Sampson said.
“Providing port assets and infrastructure consistent with a low emissions supply chain contributes to keeping NZ exports competitive internationally.”
Port of Tauranga currently operates a fleet of 54 straddle carriers, around a third of the NZ port fleet. Seven are hybrid models, introduced since 2020 following a pilot. The hybrids are around 25% more fuel efficient than the port’s older diesel electric models.
The electric straddle trial, if successful, could lead to the rollout of electric straddles in the port’s purchase and retirement program. Port of Tauranga estimates a full rollout could see an absolute reduction in combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions of approximately 43% on today’s emissions.
The trial of the electric straddle carrier and associated charging infrastructure will go live in late 2027.