Marine terminal operator SSA Marine has completed the transition of its fleet of 44 small-capacity and heavy-duty forklifts at berth 55 at the Port of Los Angeles from propane-fuel to battery-electric power.
Decarbonizing berth 55
Berth 55 is the first of SSA Marine’s terminals to fully transition to zero-emission cargo-handling equipment in its operations. The Port of Los Angeles has a goal of being emission-free with its yard equipment by 20230, meaning SSA Marine has achieved this five years ahead of schedule.
The project is the result of a three-year collaborative effort between SSA Marine, the Port of Los Angeles and other key stakeholders. The battery-electric vehicle deployment at berth 55 includes 12 heavy-duty 10,000 lb Hyster forklifts and 32 3,000 lb Hyster forklifts, with SSA Marine estimating this initiative will reduce propane fuel consumption at berth 55 by nearly 44,000 gallons each year and tailpipe CO2 emissions by approximately 264 metric tons annually.
Future initiatives
With a fully battery-electric forklift fleet and charging infrastructure in place, berth 55 will serve as a model to implement future zero-emission initiatives, SSA Marine says, which continues to test and deploy hybrid and zero-emission equipment across its global operations.
“Achieving this sustainability milestone at berth 55 reinforces SSA Marine’s commitment to environmental responsibility, operational efficiency and innovation, not just in breakbulk, but across our operations,” said Meghan Weinman, vice president of sustainability at SSA Marine. “We are proud to partner with the Port of Los Angeles on this ambitious project and we’re confident that berth 55 will serve as a blueprint for future initiatives.”
Michael DiBernardo, deputy executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, added, “SSA Marine has been a longtime tenant at the Port of Los Angeles and their work facilitating the arrival of fruits from South America during our winter months is very important for Southern California and the region. Our goal for the Port of Los Angeles is to be emissions-free with our yard equipment by 2030 and, as a result of this initiative, SSA Marine has completed that goal five years ahead of schedule, which we appreciate.”
In related news, Arc Boat Company and Diversified Marine have recently announced they are to retrofit and electrify a 26ft tugboat for use in the Port of Los Angeles. Click here to read the full story