APM Terminals and DP World announced the formation of the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), an industry-wide strategic coalition with the goal of accelerating the journey to zero emissions for container handling equipment (CHE) in ports.
The joint announcement said ZEPA membership is open to all industry participants, including terminal operators, OEMs, port authorities and government entities.
The alliance will start its activities in early 2024.
During the session to announce the alliance at COP28, APM Terminals and DP World explained that ZEPA will work to increase industry-wide adoption of battery-electric CHE and catalyse further emissions reductions on ports. The focus on battery-electric container handling equipment (BE-CHE) is grounded in research published in a white paper in October 2023, commissioned jointly by APM Terminals and DP World.
The findings show that it is possible for BE-CHE to become as or more competitive than diesel CHE as it becomes more affordable, attractive and accessible.
The point where this happens can occur in the next 2-8 years, but only with focused collective action by the entire port ecosystem.
ZEPA’s work focuses on four key workstream objectives to overcome challenges in affordability and accessibility: encourage scaled up production capacity of BE-CHE by manufacturers & reduce product costs ; bring down the cost of batteries and charging solutions, simplify implementation and increase equipment interoperability; and ensure terminal operators and the grid infrastructure are ready for BE-CHE & shore power roll-out.
It also seeks to create better implementation conditions for zero-emission fleets and help accelerate the adoption of zero-emission CHE.
"ZEPA members will inform the work program and deliverables based on their practical experience and needs," the announcement said.
It added that through their membership, companies will accelerate the availability of affordable BE-CHE and will benefit from advantages gained from having a seat at the table in this industry-wide collective action.
"ZEPA encourages all industry peers to review the findings of the white paper and to signify their interest in potential ZEPA membership."
It said that ZEPA key findings will be accessible to the whole industry, not just ZEPA members.
"Our industry is in a strong position to drive real, meaningful change to decarbonise ports, and I believe the launch of the Zero Emission Port Alliance is a vital step in the right direction," said Jack Craig, global head of technical, APM Terminals.
"Today's launch is a catalyst for collective decarbonisation action across the port industry and a signal to all our colleagues that we are serious about combatting climate change," he added.
Tiemen Meester, COO of Ports & Terminals, DP World, noted that collective, industry-wide action is needed to achieve affordable and attractive battery-electric CHE that can be used globally.
"The Zero Emission Port Alliance is a results-driven coalition with a clear focus, set up to support and deliver tangible short-term action. I truly believe we are capable of driving the change needed to make port electrification happen," he said, adding that all involved in terminal operations must play their role in realising zero-emission ports.