Electric container handling equipment: APM Terminals builds global safety & emergency response expertise

Last week, APM Terminals Elizabeth in New Jersey, US, hosted a crucial workshop focused on safety for battery-electric terminal equipment. Co-hosted by APM Terminals global decarbonisation team and on-site Health and Safety, the workshop included collaboration with the local fire brigade and equipment manufacturer MAFI.  

The outcomes included a detailed risk assessment, mitigation, and emergency response plans to support the safe deployment of seven new MAFI T 230e electric terminal tractors at APM Terminals in Port Elizabeth. These outcomes will also inform global standards for transitioning to battery-electric equipment across our terminals worldwide, lifting the standards of responsibility and reliability. 

Groundbreaking Pilot Program  

In 2023, APM Terminals launched a pioneering US$60 million electrification pilot program, aiming to complete the rollout of 51 pieces of electric equipment across six pilot terminals by the end of 2024. Each location is providing valuable insights to drive supply and develop industry-wide best practices, with a strong focus on safety. 

"Electric vehicles introduce new risks compared to traditional equipment, and it's essential that we understand and engineer-out or mitigate these risks wherever possible," says Candice Pearce, Senior Program Manager for Operational Readiness of Battery-Electric Equipment. 

Global Guidelines from Local Insights  

By collaborating closely with local fire brigades and emergency responders, APM Terminals is ensuring its operations are prepared for emergencies with response plans aligned to evolving industry best practices. 

"As we introduce electric equipment, collaboration and sharing learnings with emergency authorities and industry experts is key. Safety is our licence to operate, staying ahead of risk is being prepared, understanding what could go wrong and ensuring the critical controls are in place to prevent incidents,” says Candice Revill, HSSE Director, Port Elizabeth.  

APM Terminals' ambition is to safely transition to a net-zero operations for the benefit of its customers, employees, and the communities it serves.  

Read more about APM Terminals’ electrification commitments....