Port of Savannah takes next step in RTG electrification

The Georgia Ports Authority said almost one-third of its fleet of container stacking machines (45 out of 145), manufactured by Konecranes, have been purchased with or converted to, electric power capability.    The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) said Wednesday that it has completed the third phase of its program to replace diesel-powered rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) with hybrid electric ones at the Port of Savannah.
   Almost one-third of its fleet of container stacking machines (45 out of 145), manufactured by Konecranes, have been purchased with, or converted to, electric power capability.
   The GPA is taking the unprecedented step of converting from a diesel yard operation as part of a broader sustainability initiative to minimize the environmental impact of its operations.
   Electric RTGs use up to 95 percent less diesel fuel than conventional RTGs. Those in use already avoid the use of about 700,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year, for a savings of $2.2 million, according to the port authority.
   By 2026, port officials plan to have a total of 170 RTGs to handle increased cargo traffic. Converting the entire fleet will result in 3 million gallons of diesel saved per year. Electric engines are also easier to maintain, which will save another $11 million annually, even after accounting for the purchase of electricity, the GPA said.
   GPA officials closely worked with Konecranes on the new hybrid design, which allows the machines to transfer back to diesel when crossing a lane.
   The new cranes “are more versatile and can work over larger areas of the terminal,” spokesman Robert Morris said via e-mail. “The problem we, and many others, faced when attempting to convert an existing diesel yard operation to electric was how to move cranes in and out of areas that are not set up with electric busbars. We solved that problem and therefore can move efficiently and cost effectively toward total electrification of our terminal in the years ahead.”
   The GPA was one of six individuals or organizations to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2016 Clean Air Technology Award.
   Other ports are also phasing out diesel cargo-handling equipment. The Port of Virginia, for example, has replaced a few diesel straddle carriers with Tier 4 diesel-electric ones.
   A few terminals at U.S. ports have, or are installing, electrified rail-mounted gantry cranes that move on tracks.