ATS, MPET and PSA Antwerp Launch First Fully Electric Straddle Carrier in Mainland Europe
MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET), officially launched a new fully electric straddle carrier (e-straddle carrier) at its terminal in the Port of Antwerp on 11 May, as part of the joint Green Straddle Carrier Program initiated by Antwerp Terminal Services (ATS), MPET and PSA Antwerp (PSAA).
The e-straddle carrier, the first-of-its-kind in mainland Europe, was made by Konecranes, a global manufacturer of cranes and lifting equipment. Employing state-of-the-art battery technology, it is capable of uninterrupted operation at peak performance for more than four hours. Currently, MPET and the PSA terminals in Belgium procure electricity exclusively from renewable sources, ensuring emission-free energy generation to power the e-straddle carriers.
This adoption is part of the joint Green Straddle Carrier Program, which aims to holistically evaluate four major technological pathways to significantly reduce these vehicles’ carbon emissions in their actual working environment: full electrification, hydrogen, hybrid battery/diesel and biofuel. The program will help provide data that will determine which technology is best suited for scaling up to meet future energy needs.
MPET CEO Johan Van Daele said: “The energy transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable alternatives is in full swing and we are taking a leading role at our terminals. Although we still have many obstacles to clear before scaling up our e-straddle carrier program, having a working prototype is an important first step to a zero-emission straddle carrier fleet.”
Regional Head of Sustainability for PSA Europe, Mediterranean and the Americas Francis De Ruytter emphasises the importance of targeting straddle carriers to reach PSA’s sustainability goals: “Straddle carriers are crucial in maintaining highly productive operations at our terminals, but at the same time they are responsible for approximately 90 percent of our direct emissions in Belgium. We are examining alternatives, while concurrently investing in our Green Straddle Carrier program that explores various technological options and partners to make these vehicles more sustainable in the near term.”
For more information, please click HERE for the press release.