PD Ports has spent £8.6m on two new electric cranes to serve is Tees Dock facility, in a move the operator says it is part of its sustainability agenda.
The Liebherr cranes, which stand at 83m tall with the boom fully raised, have improved the dock's handling capacities from 100 to 140 tonnes. The operator says the electric-hydraulic powered systems are more environmentally friendly for loading and discharging bulk commodities at what is one of the deepest general purpose cargo quays in the UK.
It is the latest in a series of investments made into Teesport, following the launch of the £12m Teesport Bulks Terminal in 2020. Earlier this year the port's first fully electric vehicle was introduced as part of an effort to reach carbon neutrality by 2027.
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Frans Calje, CEO at PD Ports, said the investment was another significant step forward as the port operator aims for carbon neutrality.
He said: "I am delighted to see the new cranes in operation at Tees Dock. As a business, we are committed to driving positive change and building a more sustainable future; this investment signifies that whilst also ensuring we can uphold the highest operating standards.
"We recognise our responsibility to ourselves, our communities and our customers to reduce environmental impact which is why we have set such ambitious decarbonisation targets – targets that we are well on track to exceed. The incorporation of this equipment, coupled with our already attractive facilities at Tees Dock, ensure that PD Ports remains at the forefront of service excellence and delivery."
PD Ports is also in the process of electrifying its fleet of rubber tyred gantry cranes in 2020. As of February this year it had converted 70% of its fleet with the remainder due to be completed this year. The company hopes to save an average 700 tonnes of CO2 each year compared to diesel.
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