Ports Go Green: A Cost-energy Analysis Applied to a Case Study on Evaluating the Electrification of Yard Tractors

Abstract

Electrification of handling equipment and vehicles used in seaports is becoming increasingly common. The electrification of port equipment is potentially beneficial in terms of local environmental impact and operating costs. However, initial investments are very high. The goal of this paper is to provide a tool for decision-makers to assess the technological and financial feasibility of electrifying yard tractors in a container terminal. Considering the technological development of batteries expected in the coming years, the paper investigates when the electrification of yard tractors could be cost-effective. The paper proposes a technical and economic-financial analysis to assess the feasibility of a transition of port handling equipment from internal combustion diesel engines to electric vehicles. The proposed methodology is applied to the case study of the PSA-SECH terminal in the port of Genoa (Italy), demonstrating the advantages and limitations of electric tractors in the port context. The analysis shows that the use of electric powertrains for yard tractors is feasible technologically and from the point of view of energy use. However, at present, the investment is not profitable given the current situation in terms of costs and technology. Electrification of yard tractors is a potentially beneficial transformation for port handling processes. Nevertheless, the entire energy chain should be considered in order to assess its environmental sustainability. Other alternative powertrains should be investigated.