DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port has successfully electrified eight diesel-powered rubber-tyred Gantry cranes (RTG), the marine terminal operator announced recently.

The company said the switch from fossil fuel to electricity will reduce monthly diesel consumption by 109,000 litres in average, saving on energy costs and reducing emissions by almost 2,000t of Co2 per year, based on field trials. The eight RTGs were fitted with cable reel electrical power supply systems designed and manufactured by Cavotec.

“Electrification of the giant cranes that drive our container handling operations at Jebel Ali is one of the most significant steps we have taken in that direction,” said Mohammed Al Muallem, senior VP and managing director, DP World, UAE Region. “Our technical teams will closely monitor the performance of the electrified RTGs over the coming months and measure their impact on the port’s carbon footprint.”

Jebel Ali Container Terminals are equipped with a total of 78 quay cranes to cater to the world’s largest container vessels, 60 electrical rail mounted gantry (RMG) cranes and 123 RTGs.

Jebel Ali switches to electrified RTGs