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Asian Terminals and its foreign partner, DP World, deployed a brand-new fleet of 15 electric internal transfer vehicles at Manila South Harbor
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Valued at P120 million ($2.1 million), the fleet will facilitate transportation of containers between vessels and yard
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They will enable quick vessel turnaround time and improve overall terminal efficiency
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The development accelerates the terminal’s transition to clean energy-powered landside operations, marking a huge step towards the goal of operating a fully decarbonized fleet by 2030
Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) and its foreign partner, DP World, have deployed a brand-new fleet of 15 electric internal transfer vehicles (eITVs) valued at about P120 million ($2.1 million) at the Manila South Harbor. This is the first complete fleet of eITVs to be deployed for operations in the country.
The new fleet will facilitate transportation of containers between vessels and yard to enable quick turnaround time and improve overall terminal efficiency, ATI said in a statement.
In addition to enhancing landside operational efficiency, ATI said this milestone accelerates the terminal’s transition to clean energy-powered landside operations, marking a huge step towards the goal of operating a fully decarbonized fleet by 2030.
The investment reflects ATI and DP World’s “strong commitment and leadership towards sustainable port operations and their shared vision of reducing the environmental footprint in the logistics space,” the port operator said.
Plans are also underway to facilitate the deployment of more electric equipment, including rubber-tired gantry cranes, side loaders, reach stackers, and forklifts, in the next few years.
“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,” said Glen Hilton, ATI chairman and DP World Asia Pacific chief executive officer and managing director.
“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,” Hilton added.
The initiative aligns with DP World’s global decarbonization roadmap, which targets a 42% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, and net-zero operations by 2050. It also supports the Philippine government’s thrust to modernize the country’s key gateways through greener, smarter, and more efficient trade solutions, spearheaded by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
PPA general manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago welcomed the development, emphasizing the importance of private sector involvement in the industry’s green transition.
Santiago said: “We congratulate ATI and DP World for this operational milestone. It is encouraging to see the private sector take the lead in ushering the ports and logistics sector into a cleaner and greener future—one that is not only ecologically sound but also beneficial for business, industry, and the broader community. Our aspiration is to make the Philippine port system a benchmark for sustainability. This initiative helps set the pace for greening the logistics sector, beginning with our major international gateways.”
Manufactured by Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd, the new eITVs are equipped with high-capacity batteries, powerful electric drivetrains, and advanced control systems that deliver safe, efficient, and zero-emission cargo movement.
Before deployment, the electric fleet underwent a rigorous one-year technical and safety evaluation by ATI and DP World engineers to ensure optimum performance under local conditions. This proactive assessment, ATI noted, enabled the seamless integration and immediate deployment of the new units into day-to-day operations, to enable quick vessel and cargo turnaround time.
Earlier this year, ATI also added two new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes—among the largest and most technologically advanced in the Philippines—bringing its fleet of fully electric STS cranes to 11. This move enhances the port’s capacity and efficiency, while supporting ATI’s broader sustainability goals.
READ: P5.7B South Harbor modernization project inaugurated
Currently, around 95% of the power requirement of Manila South Harbor comes from renewable energy sources, with full 100% coverage expected soon.
