DP World is accelerating its adoption of renewable energy at the Port of Santos, Brazil's leading multipurpose private terminal, as a vital step in its global strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. 

The initial phase focuses on replacing diesel fuel with electric power for the Santos terminal's Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTGs) container handling cranes.

DP World said a total of 22 diesel-fueled units will be electrified, by the end of next year, with an investment of over 80 million Brazilian reais (US$16.2 million). 

The first RTG machine in the fleet already operates sustainably on 100% electric power, and by the end of 2023, another four machines will be converted. 

It added that the electrification process works through a system of overhead cables similar to electric buses, and applying this innovative technology to RTGs will not only reduce the terminal's diesel consumption by up to 60%. 

"The conversion of the RTGs is a critical step in our decarbonization efforts and aligns with our overall focus on sustainability. In addition to improved environmental care and climate performance, this change is also expected to bring additional operational benefits, as the technology offers low maintenance costs, increased productivity of the RTGs, and improved equipment reliability," said Fábio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos. 

This week, Mohammed Muallem, executive vice president at DP World, met with Geraldo Alckmin, vice president of Brazil, to discuss cooperation and DP World’s planned investments at the Port of Santos.

DP World noted that it is already investing US$35 million this year to expand and modernise its facilities.

The company has an additional 130,000 square meters available for expansion in the port area and has been working intensively on cargo diversification and developing logistical solutions that serve the entire international trade chain.

"The Santos terminal is already one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country. The expansion will increase the annual container handling capacity from 1.2 million TEUs to 1.4 million TEUs and expand the size of the quay from 1,100 metres to 1,300 metres," DP World said in the announcement, noting that this is DP World's third round of investment since it began operations in July 2013.

The RTG electrification project is part of DP World's global sustainability strategy called "Our World, Our Future." Under the strategy, DP World will adopt renewable energy sources for all its port equipment across the 75 countries where it operates. 

Last year, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman and Group CEO, announced that the company intends to invest up to US$500 million to reduce global carbon emissions from its operations by nearly 700,000 tons over the next five years.

It has already cut direct carbon emissions from its global operations by 5% in 2022, according to its latest ESG report.