Electric cranes to slash carbon emissions at Port of Ipswich

Associated British Ports (ABP) will further reduce its carbon emissions as two fully mains-electric powered hydraulic cranes arrive at the Port of Ipswich. 

The cranes are among the first of their kind in the UK and are the latest in a series of investments in sustainable measures from ABP that have contributed to a 36 per cent drop in greenhouse gas emissions since 2014. The cranes have been configured around specific workings of the operations at the Port of Ipswich to optimise efficiencies and further reduce energy consumption. 

It is estimated that the electric cranes will save up to 5,275 tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime. To provide perspective, one tonne of CO2 is equivalent to driving a car once around the world (circa 23,000 miles).

ABP has partnered with provider Cooper Specialised Handling in a pioneering agreement to invest in these multi-million-pound, state of the art cranes that can be powered by the solar energy generated at the port itself. 

The Port of Ipswich already has  around 4,000 solar rooftop solar arrays and has invested in an onsite sub-station to future proof sustainable portside operations that can accommodate up to four electric powered cranes. The port has also invested in electric vans to minimise the impact of port operations on the environment.

The cranes will be able to manage a range of material received at Ipswich, which handles over two million tonnes of cargo each year and is the UK’s leading grain export port. 

As well as improving ABP’s green credentials, reducing the port’s CO2 emissions and decreasing energy consumption by up to 40 per cent, the addition of cranes are expected to mean quieter operations and improved air quality.