Brisbane ports deploys first electric truck carrying 88 tonne shipping containers

Global transport and logistics company DP World says it has begun operating its first fully electric internal transfer vehicle (ITV) within its operations at the Port of Brisbane.

While not the first electric ITV that DP World has begun using at ports around the globe, this is the company’s first to be launched in Australia.

An ITV is designed to carry shipping containers weighing as much as 88 tonnes within the port. The all-electric ITV, supplied by Dutch specialised vehicle manufacturer Terberg Special Vehicles, is expected to eliminate the need for more than 120,000 litres of diesel fuel consumption each year.

“Every link in the supply chain matters,” said Nicolaj Noes, DP World’s executive vice president for Oceania. “While this may seem like a small step, it is a critical one.

“To fully decarbonise the global logistics network, we need to address every link, big and small. This initiative exemplifies what is possible when innovators and regulators collaborate to set new standards for safe and sustainable operations.”

The electric ITV launch at the Port of Brisbane is the latest in DP World’s efforts to start decarbonising its operations. Previously, the company has established battery swapping stations in South Korea and begun using electric ITVs at ports in Britain and Peru.

DP World worked in close cooperation with the Port of Brisbane and Australia’s National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to seamlessly integrate the electric ITV into the port precinct.

“We welcome the continued investment and innovation by DP World and its commitment to sustainability, which aligns to our own ambitions for the long-term sustainable development of the Port of Brisbane,” said Neil Stephens, CEO of Port of Brisbane.