By Karen Robes Meeks
For the next six months, Long Beach Container Terminal and SSA Marine at Pier J will be testing three Taylor battery-electric top handlers.
“At Long Beach Container Terminal, electric vehicles move containers from the ship to the sorting yard, where electric stacking cranes ready them for pick up," LBCT President Anthony Otto said. “Seeing what it takes to add an electric top-handler to make our groundbreaking operations even greener is something we're very interested in, and we're happy to be part of this collaborative project.”
The equipment, which ILWU members will operate, is part of the port’s Commercialization of POLB Off-Road Technology Demonstration Project or (C-PORT), which will help Long Beach toward its 2030 goal of a zero-emissions cargo handling fleet.
“We expect these battery-electric top handlers to be able to make it through the daily two-shift cycle before needing a recharge,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “We're eager to see the advancements in technology that come from this demonstration, and what it means for the commercialization of this equipment.”