The port company has contracted Konecranes to convert its Teesport's four rubber-tyred gantries (RTG) from diesel to an electric power supply.

The process will see the removal of all diesel components. The equipment will also have fibre optics installed, allowing for extra features to be added, such as remote control.

Each gantry will take an average of three weeks to covert, with the project due for completion in early 2022. The retrofit will also extend the lifespan of the equipment for an additional decade.

The electrification of the RTGs will be the first phase of a broader scheme, totalling over £2.0m of investment by PD Ports, seeing 70% of the company's RTG fleet running on electricity.

"The implementation of alternative, cleaner energy supplies is one of the key components to our long-term vision for Teesport and is another step in achieving our 30-year plan in which we aim to work with customers and stakeholders to elevate the River Tees to the UK's most successful port region by 2050," Frans Caljé, PD Ports' CEO, says.

Paolo Dazi, Konecranes Port Services SVP, adds, "We are dedicated to helping ports and terminal operators grow through sustainable, digital and adaptable service solutions. The trust PD Port has shown in us, as equipment lifecycle experts is really exciting and rewards our ambition to keep increasing customers' operational efficiency, safety and equipment sustainability."

Photo: PD Ports