Associated British Ports (ABP) has welcomed an additional 12 new electric vehicles to its fleet at the Port of Southampton, meaning the majority of its fleet is now emission-free.
The latest addition takes the fleet to 28 electric vehicles operating around the port. These new vehicles are intended for staff travel and replace the older diesel-fuelled cars and vans where electric solutions are available.
The removal of 14 older diesel vehicles cuts ABP’s carbon emissions by approximately 15 tonnes, as the new vehicles will be powered using renewable energy.
Exclusive Paper: UK in the Post-Brexit Landscape: Looking Through the Maelstrom
ABP says the acquisition of the electric vehicles is part of a wider effort cut emissions throughout its operations, ‘Cleaner Air for Southampton’.
By the end of 2020, it wishes to run entirely on electric or hybrid vehicles where such alternatives to diesel are available. As it is, not all port-use vehicles have zero-emission replacements and ABP is working with manufacturing partners to develop viable alternatives.
To support the increase of electric vehicles in the fleet, ABP has also installed additional charging bays at its offices in Southampton, which are available for staff and visitors. This brings the total number of charging points on the port to more than 70.
ABP Regional Director for Southampton Alastair Welch said: “Increasing our electric vehicle fleet is a key strand of our air quality strategy over the next few years.
“We know that air quality in the city has been steadily improving and we are committed to working with the port community and the city council to accelerate these improvements and do our bit to deliver even cleaner air.”
- Port of Los Angeles’ throughput rises 30 per cent in Q1 2024
- Port of Rotterdam’s container throughput rises in Q1 2024
- Port of Rotterdam records 10 per cent CO2 emissions reduction in 2023
- Port of Antwerp-Bruges records container volume rise in Q1 2024
- PIL, DCSA form partnership to advance digitalisation standards
