The use of eco-friendly technology from Terex Port Solutions (TPS) was a key contributor to receiving this significant environmental prize. The organization honored the efforts and achievements by LBCT in reaching their target of zero emissions. A fleet of battery-driven Terex® Gottwald automated guided vehicles, known as battery AGVs, will play a key role in reaching their zero emission target. The battery AGVs are being deployed at LBCT’s new terminal and will be utilized for the horizontal container transport from quayside to stackyard.
The parent company of LBCT, Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) based in Hong Kong, ordered a total of 72 Terex Gottwald battery AGVs for its California terminal in spring 2013. The first 38 machines were delivered to Long Beach at the start of 2014 and have successfully completed their first test phase. They satisfy both the performance demands placed on them and the particularly high environmental requirements. According to Mr. Otto, “As a dynamic terminal in the second largest port in the USA, we have the chance to do something for the environment for the long term. Environmental protection is one of our basic corporate values, and the emission-free battery AGVs from TPS helps us to achieve it. These AGVs make a major contribution to LBCT being one of the most eco-friendly terminals in the world.”
“We congratulate LBCT on receiving the California Air Quality Award and are pleased that our battery AGVs contributed to this success”, says Klaus Peter Hoffmann, Vice President & Managing Director Terex Port Solutions. “The award shows how our eco-friendly technology also helps customers to implement the very highest standards. California is known for its very strict laws. The environmental criteria of the Port of Long Beach are also very high.” The Port of Long Beach demands maximum prevention as it relates to the emission of CO2, NOX and other particle emissions from terminal operators. California has for decades been among the pioneers in environmental protection. This was the key driver in the formation of the Coalition for Clean Air in 1971. As a result, the Coalition awards the environmental prize every year.
The battery AGVs for LBCT are the first machines of their type in the USA. They have a load capacity of 70 t each and can transport ISO containers, including 45-foot containers. The equipment includes a battery exchange station capable of exchanging batteries in two AGVs simultaneously utilizing emission free automation. In addition to the hardware, TPS supplies software including navigation and management software to operate the battery AGV fleet. The package also includes fleet management systems for the new ship-to-shore and gantry cranes. Hoffmann concludes: “Besides green technology, automation has been one of our most important innovation themes for decades. We have also systematically extended our software competence. We are particularly pleased that LBCT trusts TPS in all these areas and is experiencing success as a result.”