Material handling and industrial equipment supplier CFAO Equipment says it has noted a growing adoption of electric heavy lift equipment in logistics, driven by increased environmental awareness and pending carbon emissions regulations.

“Ports and container yards are known for their heavy reliance on diesel-powered equipment. The shift to electric-powered equipment offers a cleaner alternative, drastically cutting down on carbon emissions and various toxic pollutants,” says CFAO Equipment national product specialist: heavy lift Lenny Naidoo, adding that electric-powered equipment can play pivotal role in reshaping how goods are moved in and out of ports, warehouses and distribution centres.

The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) goal is to reduce the shipping industry’s carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2050 and adopting electric heavy lift equipment can help ports to meet these targets while improving air quality and worker health conditions.

Naidoo says while South Africa is currently in the process of developing a national roadmap and legislative framework to address carbon emission targets for the shipping industry, it is expected to align as closely as possible with the IMO’s goals.

“Our local shipping industry is cognisant of this and since introducing the heavy-duty Konecranes E-VER Electric Forklift in 2024 and E-ACE Electric Empty Container Handler in April this year, we have noted a significant increase in the uptake of electric equipment compared to their diesel counterparts over the past 12 months.”

While the initial capital investment for electric heavy lift equipment may be higher than diesel models, the long-term savings are self-evident, asserts Naidoo. “The E-VER forklift, for example, costs less to operate; firstly, because it costs less to charge an electric forklift than to refuel with diesel, and secondly, because they have fewer moving parts, making them less costly to maintain and reducing overall operating costs,” he explains.

Naidoo points out that the E-ACE electric empty container handlers are engineered for efficiency, using advanced high-voltage technology to operate continuously for six to twelve hours without needing a recharge.

“Lower power consumption and the complete elimination of tailpipe emissions together represent a dramatic reduction in the carbon footprint of one of the most essential, and traditionally polluting, pieces of port and yard equipment.”

With advancements in battery technology, the range and efficiency of electric equipment are also improving steadily. Many ports have begun to integrate renewable energy, including solar and hybrid plants, into their operations to reduce emissions and improve reliability.