VoltScope 電馳誌
Smart Mobility
Electric Vehicles
Charging

DP World Launches Electrification Upgrade at Port of Santos with 44 Electric Terminal Tractors to Be Deployed in Phases

DP World recently deployed 15 electric terminal tractors and three electric reach stackers at Brazil’s Port of Santos and plans to introduce a total of 44 electric terminal tractors by 2028. The initiative is part of a broader port electrification and expansion project, with container handling capacity expected to reach 2.1 million TEUs.

Editorial Team7/28/2026Updated 7/28/2026

Expansion of Electric Fleet and Port Upgrade Initiative Begins

Global port operator DP World has recently launched an electrification upgrade at Brazil’s largest port, the Port of Santos. The first batch of 15 electric terminal tractors (also known as yard tractors or terminal tractors) and three electric reach stackers has officially entered operation. This deployment is part of DP World’s BRL 1.6 billion expansion project at the Port of Santos, which aims to increase the port’s container handling capacity to 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.

DP World stated that it will phase in a total of 44 electric terminal tractors to replace conventional diesel-powered vehicles. Additionally, the company plans to receive two new quay cranes and six 41-ton rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) later in 2026, followed by an additional two quay cranes and nine RTGs in early 2027. To advance port electrification, DP World has invested over BRL 100 million to retrofit 22 RTGs, converting them to electric drive.

Electrification Yields Early Results with Significant Decline in Diesel Consumption

The electrification measures have already delivered notable energy-saving results. Data released by DP World shows that diesel consumption at the Port of Santos from January to April 2026 decreased by 29.2% compared to the 2024 average. This outcome reflects the effective reduction in fossil fuel use following the introduction of electric vehicles and equipment, though the company has not disclosed the baseline diesel consumption figures for 2024 or specific environmental benefits such as CO2 emission reductions.

Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World in Brazil, stated that the investment will enhance the port’s capacity, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability to accommodate Brazil’s growing trade volumes. The Port of Santos is one of the busiest ports in South America, handling 4.9 million TEUs in 2023, which accounted for over 30% of Brazil’s total port container volume. DP World’s expansion project is expected to further strengthen its competitive position in Latin American port operations.

Challenges and Long-Term Goals of Electrification Transition

Despite initial progress in electrification, DP World continues to face several challenges. The high upfront costs of electric vehicles and equipment, along with the need to develop charging infrastructure, remain key hurdles for the company. Currently, the electrification transition at the Port of Santos is still in its early stages, and the proportion of electric equipment will be gradually increased based on technological maturity and market demand.

DP World emphasized that electrification not only helps reduce operational costs but also aligns with the Brazilian government’s policy direction to promote green ports. As the global port industry shifts toward low-carbon transportation, the electrification upgrade at the Port of Santos is poised to set a benchmark for ports across Latin America. However, its long-term effectiveness will require ongoing observation.

Previous

Fortescue Deploys World’s Largest Electric Mining Fleet, 150-Tonne Battery-Powered Water Truck Completes Testing in China

0
0

Log in to comment and like articles.

LoginRegister

Comments

No public comments yet.

Back to articles