The Port of Los Angeles is making significant strides towards achieving zero emission operations with the deployment of five new electric top handlers capable of handling heavy shipping containers.
Similar in appearance to forklifts but designed to grasp containers from the top rather than the bottom, these electric top handlers are pivotal in loading containers onto trucks and train cars, as well as stacking them up to six levels high within terminals.
“After years of rigorous testing and development, we are proud to deploy these all-electric cargo top handlers at our port,” stated Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. “Yusen Terminals’ leadership in adopting this technology demonstrates its commercial viability and underscores our commitment to sustainable operations.”
Manufactured by Taylor Machine Works, each top handler is equipped with a massive 1 MW battery, enabling up to 18 hours of operation between charges. This capacity allows the handlers to sustain continuous operations over two full shifts, moving heavy loads totaling hundreds of tons.
Yusen Terminals, the first adopter of these production units, emphasized the significance of this milestone in their journey towards zero emissions. “This marks a major step in our partnership with Taylor Machine Works and our commitment to environmental stewardship at the Port of Los Angeles,” remarked Alan McCorkle, President and CEO of Yusen Terminals.
The initiative at the Port of Los Angeles aligns with broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The port has applied for a $412 million EPA grant aimed at deploying 424 pieces of zero emission cargo handling equipment and 250 zero emission drayage trucks. This initiative, if successful, is projected to cut emissions by nearly 41,500 tons annually.
Taylor Machine Works has integrated advanced features into each top handler, including data loggers to monitor operational metrics such as charging frequency, energy usage, and performance indicators. Feedback from drivers and mechanics is also informing ongoing enhancements in maneuverability, noise reduction, and safety.
