New electric empty container handlers promise to play a key role in decarbonising two of New Zealand’s largest ports, in the latest round of successful applications from EECA’s Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF).
Port of Auckland and Wellington’s CentrePort have each been approved co-funding of $500,000 towards procuring an electric empty container handler (ECH), as well as associated on-port charging infrastructure.
It is the first time the LETF, which focusses on activities in the transport sector that move people and/or goods on roads, off-road, and in the marine and aviation sectors, has approved co-funding for electric ECHs, which are large, forklift-type pieces of equipment used to move and store empty containers.
EECA GM Transport Richard Briggs said the co-funding will allow the ports to demonstrate to others around New Zealand, as well as shareholders, how a critical link in the supply chain can be electrified, with safe, reliable technology.
“With no electric ECHs in New Zealand, and only a few in Australia, integrating these pieces of equipment into daily operations will give confidence to the sector as well as help develop zero-emissions supply chains, integrating with other electric-powered equipment and vehicles.”
Port of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest import port, will procure an electric ECH and its charger, and will set up the infrastructure for its operation.
Port of Auckland currently has six diesel empty container handlers. It estimates replacing one of its diesel ECHs with an electric model will reduce the port’s greenhouse gas emissions by minimum 670,977kg CO₂e over 10 years.
Port of Auckland Limited chief executive officer Roger Gray said: “As New Zealand’s largest import port, we want to help lead the adoption of electric and emissions-free port equipment.
“We’ve had great success with Sparky, the world’s first full-sized electric tugboat, and we’re pleased to see more emissions-free cargo handling options become available. This is a great step forward for the port industry.”
CentrePort CEO Anthony Delaney said large mobile plant operating in the port’s container terminal and depot accounted for 33 percent of its scope 1 and 2 emissions.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to reduce these emissions with the support of EECA, and as part of our wider systems approach to emissions reduction,” he said.
“Our objectives are aligned and the need for flexibility to ensure economic viability of projects is well considered.”
$3.3 million has been allocated in LETF Round 13, leveraging $6.7 million in private funding. Successful applicants include a large-scale bus depot charging system, electric trailer axle technology, electric digger technology, and battery storage rapid EV charging infrastructure with the potential to earn revenue through trading on the energy market.
Funding covers up to 50 percent of a project’s costs, up to $500,000.
Round 14 of LETF funding is now open. Vehicle, Technology, Off-road and Marine projects are eligible. Learn more and apply here.
LET: Vehicles, Technology, Off-road and Marine
Additional information
The Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF), administered by EECA, supports the demonstration and adoption of low-emission transport technology, innovation, and infrastructure to accelerate the decarbonisation of the New Zealand transport sector.
The fund focusses on activities in the transport sector that move people and/or goods on roads, off-road, and in the marine and aviation sectors to:
- Demonstrate innovative solutions that will enable future adoption and deployment.
- Reduce energy-related emissions in the transport sector.
- Address market and organisational barriers through co-investment and diffusion of new knowledge and lessons, and
- Share knowledge and lessons to stimulate wider replication of successful projects and solutions in the transport sector.
Each round of the LETF, will provide co-funding to a particular area of interest (unlike the previous LEVCF, in which each round welcomed the full range of applications).
An announcement will be made before each funding round, advising which areas of interest will be included.
The full list of EECA approved projects in this round is below and is subject to final contracts being signed between EECA and the successful applicants.
LETF Round 13 – Vehicles, Technology & Off-road successful applicants
Red Phase Technologies Limited / Kwetta $500,000
Red Phase Technologies will deploy large-scale bus depot charging systems for EV bus fleets.
CentrePort Limited $500,000
CentrePort will procure an electric empty container handler (ECH) and associated on-port charging infrastructure.
Hikotron Limited $178,620
Hikotron Limited will work with Wells Energy Innovation, to deploy a ‘Buffered’ DC Rapid EV Charger.
Beech Orchard Limited $26,900
Bird Wood Orchard will demonstrate an e-Tuatara in their kiwifruit orchard.
Reliance Transport Limited $248,284
Reliance Transport Limited will commission a battery electric Mobicon (2 High) container handler for warehouse operations.
Port of Auckland Limited $500,000
Port of Auckland will procure an electric empty container handler (ECH) and associated on-port charging infrastructure.
WEL Networks Limited $311,753
WEL Networks will design, procure, and install a BESS-supported public EV charging station, which could earn revenue through trading in energy markets.
Optimal Fleet Solutions Limited $202,000
Optimal Fleet Solutions Limited will develop scope 3 emissions modelling and reporting portal resulting from transport upstream and downstream supply chain activity.
ProTransport Limited $343,500
ProTransport will take an existing trailer with four brake-only axles and fit in two DynaDrive electric axles, a 420Kwh battery pack, software and controls in the truck which then becomes a drive/brake-assist system integrated with the trucks’ own computers.
CB Civil and Drainage Limited $391,638
CB Civil & Drainage Limited will develop an innovative smart asset solution to monitor, manage and optimise the performance and lifecycle of physical assets.
Kenai Limited $62,500
Kenai Limited will demonstrate a 2t JCB electric digger while transforming the land around Mokoia Pā into a public park.