DP World’s investing in the world’s first all-electric fleet of straddle:DP World has invested GBP 12 mn in eight new straddle carriers for its new berth at its London Gateway logistics hub, according to a press release.The investment comes after three years of developing and piloting the electric straddle carrier in partnership with cargo handling solution provider Kalmar. The straddle will go into service next summer upon completion of DP World’s GBP 350 mn fourth berth, according to the statement.

The details: The straddles will move containers handled by quay cranes, and then service onward forms of transport through road or rail, reducing carbon emissions by some 54% compared with non-electric models, the statement said. Each high energy battery straddle can operate up to four hours without needing to be recharged, and can be fully recharged in 45 minutes, DP World UK COO Andrew Bowen said.

The fourth berth at London Gateway is expected to be among the most sustainable ever built, with all-electric equipment. The company’s Southampton logistics hub has also switched to hydrotreated vegetable oil and has eliminated fossil diesel from its operations in order to cut carbon emissions from its fleet by 90%, according to the release.

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