ATI pours P120M into port e-fleet

Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) and foreign partner DP World have invested around P120 million to deploy the country’s first full fleet of 15 electric internal transfer vehicles (eITVs) and rapid-charging stations at Manila South Harbor.

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

We are proud to align this new chapter to our sustainability journey by investing in next-generation terminal equipment that operates on clean energy with zero emissions,” Glen Hilton, ATI Chairman and DP World Asia Pacific CEO and Managing Director, said on Wednesday.

The electric fleet will move containers between vessels and the yard, helping reduce turnaround time and improve terminal efficiency. 

ATI and DP World aim to operate a fully decarbonized landside fleet by 2030 and aligns with DP World’s broader roadmap to cut carbon emissions by 42 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

“It is encouraging to see the private sector take the lead in ushering the ports and logistics sector into a cleaner and greener future. This initiative helps set the pace for greening the logistics sector, beginning with our major international gateways,” Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said. 

The eITVs, manufactured by Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., feature high-capacity batteries, electric drivetrains, and advanced control systems. They underwent a one-year technical and safety evaluation by ATI and DP World before entering service.

ATI also recently added two new ship-to-shore cranes to its fleet, raising its total to 11 fully electric units. 

Currently, 95 percent of Manila South Harbor’s power is sourced from renewables, with full coverage expected soon. More electric equipment — including gantry cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts — will follow in the coming years.