The Energy for Everyone Hero Award recognizes
Port Newark Container Terminal's initiative to add near-zero
emissions propane-powered port tractors to the fleet.
RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Port Newark
Container Terminal (PNCT) has added 20 propane-powered terminal
tractors to its fleet, significantly advancing its commitment to
sustainable operations. This strategic move aligns with PNCT's
dedication to reducing emissions and enhancing operational
efficiency at one of the busiest container ports in the United States.
The new propane-powered tractors are significantly cleaner than
diesel-powered models, the most common fuel source currently used
in ports. These vehicles, manufactured by MAFI and powered by PSI's
ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) 8.8-liter propane engines, emit 99
percent less NOx, near zero particulate matter, 51 percent less
total hydrocarbons, and 14 percent less lifecycle carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions compared to their diesel counterparts. In
real-world testing at the port, the vehicles also demonstrated
enough power to easily handle operations without loss of power.
"We are impressed with the performance and environmental
benefits of the propane-powered tractors," said Charlie Ferlisi, director of engineering and
equipment services at PNCT. "Propane is efficient, powerful, and
clean, making it an environmentally safe choice for our operations.
This transition not only helps us reduce emissions but also
supports our longshoremen by providing a safer and healthier work
environment."
"Sustainability is a core priority at the Port Authority, as
evidenced by our ambitious commitment to reach net-zero carbon
emissions by 2050 while paving the way for our operating partners
to achieve the same goal," said Mike
Bozza, deputy port director at the Port Authority of
New York and New Jersey. "We applaud the addition of these
sustainable yard tractors at Port Newark Container Terminal.
Innovative initiatives like these are critical in our mission to
reduce emissions and tackle the existential threat of climate
change."
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the port to celebrate the
new vehicles, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
awarded PNCT with the Energy for Everyone Hero award. The national
non-profit organization, which promotes clean energy initiatives,
honored PNCT for prioritizing the environment, the health of its
port workers, and the wellbeing of the community and surrounding
marine ecosystem by adopting the clean port tractors.
"The decision to adopt propane-powered terminal tractors
exemplifies Port Newark Container Terminal's forward-thinking in
energy efficiency and sustainability," said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO for PERC.
"Their smart choice not only boosts operational performance but
also underscores the vital importance of reducing emissions for a
clean future. This initiative is a beacon for other ports to
follow, highlighting the profound impact that innovative energy
solutions can have on both environmental and economic fronts."
In addition to clean and powerful performance, the propane port
tractors are also expected to reduce fuel and operating costs.
Propane provides vehicle owners with the lowest total
cost-of-ownership. It's also a portable and reliable energy source,
which can keep operations running even if the electric grid goes
down. This added layer of resiliency provides extra assurance that
PNCT remains efficient as one of the nation's busiest ports.
For more information about how propane is used at ports, visit
Propane.com/Ports.
About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council
is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training
programs and invests in research and development of new
propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the
propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
About PNCT
Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT)
located in Port Newark, New Jersey
occupies 272 acres, handling more than 1.6 million twenty-foot
equivalent containers annually that generates tens of billions in
economic activity for the region. PNCT is committed to providing
environmentally sustainable initiatives through their equipment
replacement program and 7.2 MW Solar energy generation project.
For More Information:
Patrick
Hyland
Propane Education & Research Council
202-452-8975
Patrick.hyland@propane.com
Brooke Behrendt
Swanson Russell
402-437-6053
brookeb@swansonrussell.com
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SOURCE Propane Education & Research Council