● Manila International Container Terminal recently deployed two fully-electric terminal tractors–the first of its kind deployed in a Philippine port–as part of its ongoing efforts to adopt more sustainable technologies
● The Qomolo E-truck S2 units manufactured by Shanghai Westwell Technology Co., Ltd. are powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries and operate with zero emission
Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) recently deployed two fully-electric terminal tractors–the first of its kind deployed in a Philippine port–as part of its ongoing efforts to adopt more sustainable technologies.
The two Qomolo E-truck S2 units, manufactured by Shanghai Westwell Technology Co., Ltd., are powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries and have a rated motor power of 263 kilowatts (kW) and a peak output of 410kW. They operate with zero emission.
MICT, the flagship terminal of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), is pilot-testing the use of electric vehicles to help improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions in its port operations, ICTSI said in a statement.
“The testing of electric terminal tractors is another step toward modernizing our operations with sustainability in mind. It supports our broader goal of transitioning the MICT into a green port,” MICT chief executive officer Christian Lozano said.
“We will continue to evaluate technologies that help reduce our environmental impact while maintaining efficient operations,” Lozano added.
The effort supports ICTSI’s environmental strategy and commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company is gradually introducing cleaner energy and equipment across its global terminals.
Relatedly, MICT received the Green Port Award from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Port Services Network in 2023 for its environmental initiatives. ICTSI said the introduction of electric tractors adds to those efforts.
ICTSI said the units will be assessed for performance before wider deployment.
Earlier this year, MICT received eight hybrid rubber-tired gantries featuring near-zero emission technology.
READ: MICT receives 8 near zero-emission RTGs
ICTSI earlier said it commits to net zero emissions for Scopes 1 (direct emissions) and 2 (indirect emissions) by 2050 as part of its decarbonization strategy.
Further, ICTSI is working towards accounting for the full greenhouse gas emissions footprint of the entire value chain, including Scope 3 emissions. An inventory is expected to be established by 2025, followed by a review of relevant targets.
The targets are part of ICTSI’s Climate Change Action Initiative launched in July 2023. The initiative will develop a comprehensive roadmap for ICTSI to align its business strategy with the goals of the UN Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference on December 12, 2015 and entered into force on November 4, 2016.
Two fully electric terminal tractors at the Manila International Container Terminal, the first deployment of its kind in Philippine ports, will reduce emissions and support sustainable operations.
