Ipswich Port to go greener with electric cranes
The blue cranes at Ipswich Port to turn green.
Associated British Ports (ABP) has confirmed the blue cranes of Ipswich will soon be turning green, with the first fully mains electric powered cranes in the UK now on order.
The ÂŁ4m investment is part of the companies wider pledge to be more environmentally friendly.
ABP says it's already cut its greenhouse gases by 35% since 2014.
The company added that it hopes to see all cargo handling operations at the Port of Ipswich to be fully electrified within the next five years.
The new cranes will replace the diesel-powered version already being used at the port.
It's not the first green move in Ipswich though, with four thousand solar panels already installed on site, generating energy to power two of the new cranes.
ABP says it's also invested in an electricity sub-station that is future-proofed to accommodate up to four electric powered cranes working currently on the same quay.
Commenting on behalf of ABP Paul Ager Divisional Port Manager East Coast said: “This investment shows that going green does not cost the earth. In addition to reducing our CO2 footprint, we estimate that these electric cranes will save in excess of 40% in energy costs. The electrification of our cranes will also significantly reduce noise emissions.
“At ABP, we have firm plans to decarbonise our ports. We know greener operations is important to our customers too and we are listening.”
Speaking on behalf of Cooper Specialised Handling, Executive Director, David Cooper commented: “This is truly a landmark supply and hope this is the first of many. We congratulate ABP on their foresight and vision in opting for electric power. We have noticed a significant increase in interest in both direct electric power and Mantsinen’s dual power (electric and diesel in one machine) however, infrastructure costs become a barrier that often thwarts further investment. ABP have tackled this head-on and will feel the cost and environmental benefits in the years ahead”
The new cranes are expected to be in service by Spring 2022.