DP World speeds up electrification at Brazil ports

The initial phase focuses on replacing diesel fuel with electric power for the Santos terminal’s Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTGs) container handling cranes. A total of 22 diesel-fuelled units will be electrified, by the end of next year, with an investment over $16.2m. The first RTG machine in the fleet already operates sustainably on 100% electric power and by the end of 2023, another four machines will be converted.

The electrification process works through a system of overhead cables like electric buses. Applying this innovative technology to RTGs will not only reduce the terminal's diesel consumption by up to 60%.

"The conversion of the RTGs is a critical step in our decarbonisation efforts and aligns with our overall focus on sustainability. In addition to improved environmental care and climate performance, this change is also expected to bring additional operational benefits, as the technology offers low maintenance costs, increased productivity of the RTGs, and improved equipment reliability," explained Fábio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos.

DP World is already investing $35m this year to expand and modernise its facilities. The company has an additional 130,000 square metres available for expansion in the port area and has been working intensively on cargo diversification and developing logistical solutions that serve the entire international trade chain.

The Santos terminal is already one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country. The expansion will increase annual container handling capacity from 1.2m teu to 1.4m teu and expand the size of the quay from 1,100 metres to 1,300 metres. This is DP World’s third round of investment since it began operations in July 2013. ensuring port capacity remains ahead of growing demand.

DP World Santos became the first port terminal in Brazil to no longer send waste to landfills after implementing the Zero Landfill project last year. Instead, all waste generated at the terminal is either recycled or converted into sustainable energy for industrial activities. Since the beginning of the project, over 479.40 tonnes of solid waste have been diverted from landfills.

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