ATI deploys all-electric truck fleet

First in Philippine ports

MANILA, Philippines —  Logistics giant Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) has invested P120 million to put up the country’s first complete fleet of electric trucks and charging infrastructure for port operations.

ATI yesterday announced the deployment of 15 electric internal transfer vehicles (EITVs) at the Manila South Harbor, a project that required an investment of $2.1 million (P120 million).

The EITVs will hasten the movement of containers between vessels and yards, leading to quicker turnaround time and improved port efficiency.

ATI chairman Glen Hilton said the investment in EITVs supports the company’s push for greener alternatives at the Manila South Harbor. ATI plans to operate an all-electric fleet of port vehicles by 2030.

Hilton said ATI is working on reducing the carbon footprint of the Manila South Harbor as efforts are underway to procure other electric-powered equipment, from gantry cranes and side loaders, to stackers and forklifts.

ATI investor and logistics multinational DP World is also targeting a 42-percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net zero operations by 2050.

“This is a significant leap not only for us in ATI and DP World, but also for the Philippines as we continue to work with our partners and local authorities to further power economic growth in the country,” Hilton said.

The EITVs are produced by Hunan-based Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. They are equipped with high-capacity batteries that enable them to operate efficiently.

The fleet went through a one-year safety and technical evaluation by ATI and DP World experts to ensure they are fit for deployment locally. The companies also made sure that the trucks would perform at their most optimal level to expedite goods movement.

Philippine Ports Authority general manager Jay Santiago said they support efforts from the private sector to trim carbon footprint. Based on data from consultancy giant McKinsey and Co., logistics contributes at least seven percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“It is encouraging to see the private sector take the lead in ushering the ports and logistics sector into a cleaner and greener future – one that is not only ecologically sound, but also beneficial for business, industry and the broader community,” Santiago said.