(Commonwealth) _ On October 17th, DP World’s International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) in Cochin made a significant announcement as it welcomed four new Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (E-RTG) cranes to its facility. These state-of-the-art cranes arrived onboard the vessel m.v. Pietersgracht and berthed at the terminal around 1100 hrs. This development marks a key milestone in ICTT’s ongoing commitment to expand its operations and enhance sustainability, aligning with its medium-term objective to become the preferred gateway for South India and a leading transshipment terminal for all of India. Moreover, the introduction of E-RTGs at ICTT contributes to DP World’s global sustainability target of achieving a 28% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
The arrival of these four E-RTG cranes, combined with the expected arrival of two cutting-edge Ship-to-Shore (STS) Mega Max cranes in December 2023, represents a significant step forward for DP World Cochin in both capacity enhancement and sustainability objectives. Praveen Thomas Joseph, the CEO of DP World Cochin, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the arrival of the E-RTGs, saying, “At DP World, we constantly work towards higher standards of operational excellence and customer service to enable our customers to reach their products in the shortest and most cost-efficient manner, seamlessly. The introduction of the four new E-RTGs and the ongoing electrification of 100% of the existing fleet of RTGs will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of goods transiting through ICTT, thereby giving our customers another competitive edge on the sustainability front. We have launched multiple new service lines this year, and the onboarding of our new E-RTG cranes will help us achieve quicker turnarounds for the trade.”
The addition of four new E-RTG cranes to ICTT Cochin signifies a significant step forward in enhancing the terminal’s capacity and operational efficiency. Rubber-gantry cranes are crucial for container handling in ports, and the introduction of electric variants represents a forward-looking approach to reducing environmental impact and improving operational efficiency. These E-RTG cranes are equipped with cutting-edge technology that not only streamlines container handling processes but also significantly reduces carbon emissions. The move toward electrification in cargo handling equipment aligns with the broader global push for sustainability in the maritime industry.
One of the standout aspects of this development is its alignment with DP World’s overarching sustainability goals. DP World is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and has set a target of achieving a 28% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. The introduction of E-RTGs at ICTT Cochin is a tangible step in this direction, as these cranes are far more environmentally friendly compared to their conventional counterparts. The electrification of the entire existing fleet of RTGs, as mentioned by Praveen Thomas Joseph, CEO of DP World Cochin, underscores the commitment to sustainability. This shift not only benefits the environment but also positions DP World Cochin as a leader in offering sustainable solutions to its customers, which can be a significant advantage in an increasingly eco-conscious global market.
ICTT Cochin’s strategic location and its exceptional connectivity to various international ports have made it a key transshipment terminal in South and East India. It has played a crucial role in enhancing trade connectivity, promoting direct service lines, and contributing to the region’s economic growth. The steady growth of transshipment volumes at ICTT Cochin highlights its importance as a transshipment hub, and this expansion with E-RTGs further strengthens its position as a major gateway for trade in the region. This is not just a development for ICTT Cochin but a significant advancement for India’s trade infrastructure.
