Top 10: Ports and Terminals Going Electric
The maritime industry is undergoing something of a sea change right now.
With shipping responsible for roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, logistics companies and their clients are looking to electric and low-carbon alternatives to the cargo freighters of old as they try to reduce their impact on the environment.
Electrification also promises to have substantial benefits for the economies and communities surrounding ports and shipping terminals.
By replacing diesel-powered equipment with electric alternatives, ports can dramatically cut their carbon emissions, eliminate local air pollutants and reduce noise pollution for surrounding neighbourhoods — communities that have historically borne the brunt of heavy industry and its environmental impacts.
Whilst these changes sound like a no-brainer, the transition is likely to be a gradual one. The amount of capital required to overhaul huge shipping networks will be vast, but sustainable technologies promise long-term value to the industry, through their energy efficiency and minimal maintenance requirements.
EV Magazine has ranked 10 of the top ports and terminals going green.
10. Port of Gothenburg
Founded: 1620
Port Authority: The Gothenburg Port Authority
Cargo Volume TEUs: 1 million
The Port of Gothenburg, Scandinavia's largest logistics hub, is championing electric fleet transformation as part of its sustainability mission.
APM runs some of the largest terminals in the port and it is prioritising the deployment of electric trucks at its sites in an effort to increase the speed of its operations, with three other major terminals introducing similar measures.
Meanwhile, logistics firms like DFDS and Skaraslättens Transport are scaling their electric vehicle fleets as charging networks expand throughout the region.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen's US$6.9m terminal enhancement project demonstrates the port's commitment to modernisation and electrification support.
9. Port of Hamburg
Founded: 1189
Port Authority: The Hamburg Port Authority
Cargo Volume TEUs: 5.8 million
The Port of Hamburg in Germany is in the process of implementing a long-term electric fleet strategy in a big to reduce its operational emissions.
Flotte Hamburg is embracing sustainable propulsion systems and vessel retrofitting initiatives. In June 2024, the organisation commissioned two electric workboats for transportation and inspection operations.
By 2025, shore power will be available at all major terminals, rapid-charging infrastructure will serve electric trucks and approximately 100 automated guided vehicles will transition to lithium-ion battery systems for improved efficiency.
8. Port of New York and New Jersey
Founded: 1921
Port Authority: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Cargo Volume TEUs: 8 million
The Port of New York and New Jersey is in the process of converting more than 2,000 vehicles to zero-emission technologies whilst also expanding its charging networks in an effort to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
JFK Airport is installing 24 fast chargers, with collaborations involving Revel, NYPA and NREL advancing drayage truck electrification programs.
All in all, the port is aiming to reduce its direct emissions by 50% by 2030 and is embedding sustainability principles throughout its leasing agreements, procurement processes and daily operations to achieve that goal.
7. Port of Long Beach
Founded: 1911
Port Authority: The Board of Harbor Commissioners
Cargo Volume TEUs: 9 million
The Port of Long Beach is fast-tracking the electrification of its fleet as it moves to achieve zero emissions by 2035, which it plans to kickstart by converting its of cargo-handling equipment and trucks to electric alternatives by 2030 and 2035 respectively.
The site is already well on its way to a low-carbon future thanks to the installation of 60 ultra-fast chargers and the launch of North America's largest heavy-duty charging facility, both of which were completed in late 2024.
Organisations like Amazon and WattEV are rolling out electric trucks to work the port, while joint investments are helping to expand charging networks in the surrounding region.
6. Port of Los Angeles
Founded: 1907
Port Authority: The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners
Cargo Volume TEUs: 9.3 million
The Port of Los Angeles is embracing electric fleet conversion in pursuit of zero emissions by 2035, substituting 28 combustion engine vehicles for low-carbon alternatives at Pier 400 and introducing battery-powered top handlers at Yusen Terminal.
Plans include the installation of 425 battery-electric cargo-handling units and 300 additional charging stations, backed by a US$412m EPA grant.
The port is also striking deals with Volvo, California's zero-emission truck voucher programme, and the Port of Long Beach are financing an improved charging network in the surrounding area.
5. Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Founded: 1811
Port Authority: The Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority
Cargo Volume TEUs: 12 million
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, kicked on by the deployment of six energy-efficient tugboats, including Europe's first fully-electric RSD tugboat, Volta 1.
Milence and Van Moer — two European logistics companies — are helping with the expansion of the port's EV charging network which will feature specialised charging for Volta 1 and other electric boats.
Multiple industry partnerships are establishing green corridors for electric heavy-duty transportation throughout the region.
4. Port of Rotterdam
Founded: 1270
Port Authority: The Port of Rotterdam Authority
Cargo Volume TEUs: 15.3 million
The Port of Rotterdam is promoting electric fleet integration to reach net zero CO₂ emissions, prioritising the electrification of regional transport with companies like Innocent Drinks and DFDS investing in e-trucks to deliver their shipments.
APM Terminals is contributing to the renovations and upgrades to port equipment, including several hybrid straddle carriers and its inaugural e-truck charging station at Waalhaven.
The port is also partnering with ABB E-mobility and TRE, both of which are helping to develop infrastructure on site. It us projected that, by 2030, the port will have access to more than 2,000 electric trucks and 50 charging stations.
3. Port of Vancouver
Founded: 1912
Port Authority: The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA)
Cargo Volume TEUs: 31 million
The Port of Vancouver is integrating electric fleets to minimise emissions and advance sustainability goals. Recent acquisitions include electric vans, pickup trucks and an all-electric ATV, with additional vehicles planned for 2025.
Charging infrastructure is expanding with 26 new stations in 2024 and public fast chargers scheduled for 2025, funded by a US$22.5m clean energy infrastructure grant.
The port's Electrification Roadmap, created in partnership with BC Hydro, supports its carbon neutrality target by 2050.
Beyond vehicle electrification, the port is exploring shore power connections for visiting vessels which can help to reduce the emissions from docked ships.
Terminal operators are also looking into battery-electric cargo handling equipment to complement the transportation fleet upgrades, with the aim of creating a comprehensively sustainable shipping hub.
2. Port of Singapore
Founded: 1819
Port Authority: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Cargo Volume TEUs: 37 million
The Port of Singapore is pursuing net zero emissions in its domestic harbour craft sector by 2050, with ongoing trials of the Hydromover, the nation's first fully-electric cargo vessel, featuring swappable batteries and a 25-ton capacity.
PSA International and MPA are electrifying cranes, machinery and vessels, while charging infrastructure grows with a pilot e-HC station at Marina South Pier, targeting nationwide rollout by 2025.
Collaborations with Yinson GreenTech, Pyxis Energy and other partners advance fleet electrification, with requirements for all new harbour craft to be electric or net zero fuel-compatible by 2030.
The port is also developing smart grid integration systems to optimise the distribution of energy across its terminals, while driverless EV shuttles are being tested for inter-terminal cargo movement.
1. Port of Yantai, China
Founded: 1398
Port Authority: The Yantai Port Group Co
Cargo Volume TEUs: 122 million
The Port of Yantai in Shandong, China, is fast-tracking its electric fleet transformation for sustainable operations.
Working with QIJI Energy, Hutchison Ports Yantian introduced the world's first on-dock chassis battery-swapping station, reducing charging time to just five minutes, serving 100 electric trucks and eliminating over 2,000 tonnes of annual diesel consumption.
The port operates battery-swapping trailers, achieving a 40.5% year-over-year freight volume increase, with 286 charging stations and 1,206 charging piles developed by State Grid Yantai, supporting green logistics and China's 2060 carbon neutrality goals.
Furthermore, partnerships with QIJI Energy and BYD are accelerating green logistics adoption in alignment with China's 2060 carbon-neutrality objectives.
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