Port Of San Diego Adds Zero-Emissions Cargo-Handling Equipment

SSA Marine announced March 6 that it has put into service the first of six pieces of zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment that the company will introduce at the Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal over the next 12 to 18 months, while the Port of San Diego has completed the initial installation of the electrical infrastructure needed to support the operation of this equipment.

 The first piece of equipment is a 55,000-pound-capacity Wiggins Yard eBull battery electric forklift. This is one of the largest zero-emissions heavy-duty forklifts in operation in the United States and can lift up to 25 metric tons.

The forklift is named “The Carrillo,” recognizing the accomplishments of SSA Marine Regional Vice President and San Diego County native Joe Carrillo, who facilitated the arrival of the first large-capacity electric forklift fleet in the country, including 26 Wiggins Yard eBull electric forklifts at SSA Marine terminals at the Port of West Sacramento and the Port of Stockton.

SSA Marine, one of the world’s largest independent marine terminal operators, is a leader in the testing and deployment of low- and zero-emissions technologies at marine terminals, and the Wiggins Yard eBull is the industry’s first commercialized large-capacity, zero-emissions forklift manufactured in the United States.

“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 program, 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 Frank Urtasun, chairman of the 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.”

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

SSA Marine is one of the world’s leading independent, privately held marine terminal operators, with activities at more than 250 terminal facilities and rail yards throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America and Asia.

Caption for photo: Zero-emissions, Wiggins Yard eBull battery forklift at the Port of San Diego has a 55,000-pound capacity.