SSA Marine has launched the first of six zero-emissions cargo handling equipment pieces at the Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, with the rest to follow within 12 to 18 months.

This announcement comes after the Port of San Diego completed the initial installation of the electrical infrastructure needed to support the operation of this equipment.

The first piece of zero-emissions equipment that SSA Marine is putting into operation at the terminal is a 55,000-pound capacity Wiggins Yard eBull battery electric forklift, named ‘The Carrillo’.

This large-capacity vehicle is one of the largest zero-emissions heavy-duty forklifts in operation in the US and can lift up to 25 metric tonnes.

The purchase of this equipment was partially funded by the state of California’s Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) voucher programme.

“SSA Marine is proud to partner with the Port of San Diego to demonstrate the potential of zero-emissions equipment in a marine terminal environment and to further understand what the long-term benefits could look like,” said Bill Fitz, Senior Vice President of SSA Marine’s conventional division.

“The Port of San Diego’s proactive approach to electric infrastructure development has been critical to the success of this programme, and we look forward to continuing to work together to transitioning additional pieces of zero-emissions cargo handling equipment in the years ahead.”

“SSA Marine is the kind of partner we like doing business with,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.

“We share a commitment to improving public health and quality of life on and around our marine terminals. SSA Marine and many other port tenants are helping to deliver on our promise to support efficient, modern, and sustainable maritime operations.”

In August 2023, the Port of San Diego and Crowley began construction on a shoreside charging station to supply renewable energy for the company’s next zero-emissions tugboat, eWolf.