The fleet of electric internal transfer vehicles (ATI photo)
Ports operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) and Dubai-based logistics company DP World joined forces in investing ₱120 million to roll out the Philippines’ first complete fleet of electric internal transfer vehicles (eITVs).
ATI and DP World recently unveiled a fleet of 15 eITVs and their corresponding rapid-charging infrastructure at Manila South Harbor (MSH), which is operated by ATI.
“This is a significant leap not only for ATI and DP World, but also for the Philippines as we continue to work with our partner and local authorities to further power economic growth for the country,” said ATI Chairman and DP World Asia-Pacific Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Glen Hilton.
Manufactured by Chinese heavy equipment firm Sany Heavy Industry Co., the eITVs are equipped with high-capacity batteries and electric drivetrains.
The country’s first complete fleet of eITVs to be deployed for operations also features advanced control systems that aim to deliver safe, efficient, and zero-emission cargo movement.
Before its deployment, the eITVs underwent a one-year technical and safety evaluation to ensure its optimum performance under local conditions.
Given this, ATI and DP World were able to swiftly integrate the new vehicles into day-to-day operations.
The eITVs will facilitate the movement of containers between vessels and yards within MSH to and improve overall terminal efficiency.
As part of its sustainability efforts, the new fleet will accelerate the terminal’s transition to clean energy-powered landside operations given that the vehicles emit zero emissions.
ATI is targeting to operate a fully decarbonized fleet within MSH by 2030.
Currently, around 95 percent of the power requirement of the port comes from renewable energy (RE) sources, with full coverage expected soon.
DP World, for its part, aims to reduce 42 percent from its global carbon emissions by 2030, with net-zero operations by 2050.
Within MSH, both companies are planning to facilitate the deployment of more electric equipment, such as rubber-tired gantry cranes, side loaders, reach stackers, and forklifts, within the next few years.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago has commended ATI and DP World for taking the lead in the green transition of the ports and logistics sector.
“Our aspiration is to make the Philippine port system a benchmark for sustainability. This initiative helps set the pace for greening the logistics sector, beginning with our major international gateways,” he said.