PD Ports invests in electric cranes to cut carbon footprint

A port operator has reaffirmed a commitment to cutting its carbon footprint by investing in new lifting equipment.

PD Ports is now using three electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes.

Bosses say the apparatus, bought to support the latest phase in the operator’s Teesport container terminal expansion, are providing a greener alternative to diesel cranes.

Standing more than 24 metres high and weighing 135 tonnes, the equipment was supplied by Liebherr Container Cranes Limited.

Frans Calje, PD Ports’ chief executive, said: “This investment is key to our ongoing investment in infrastructure at Teesport.

“In the last ten years, we have secured more than £1 billion of investments, creating in excess of 2500 jobs as a direct result, all of which deliver real value to the North of England and our ability to be more competitive globally.

“We are continuously working to reduce our impact on the environment while supporting sustainable practices and the new cranes will significantly reduce emissions from equipment.”

He added the new cranes, which supplement an existing fleet of seven, will enable Teesport to support future trade growth coming in and out of the North of the UK, as well as boosting PD Ports’ bid to become one of the Government’s ten Free Ports.

Speaking about the order, David Griffin, managing director – sales at Liebherr Container Cranes, said it had continued a long-running relationship between the manufacturer and the port.

He added: “We supplied our first ship-to-shore crane (STS) to Teesport in 1990 and since then we have continued to be a key equipment supplier of both STS and RTGs to the port.

“With the supply of these electric RTGs, PD Ports will continue to benefit from the exceptional productivity that typifies a Liebherr machine, but in addition, benefit from the reduced running costs and zero emissions these machines bring.”