SSA Marine 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.
The purchase of this equipment was partially funded by the State of California’s Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) voucher program. To support this technology, 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 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. This is one of the largest zero-emissions heavy-duty forklifts in operation in the USA and can lift up to 25 metric tons.
The electric forklift has been named ‘The Carrillo’ to honor the accomplishments of Joe Carrillo, SSA Marine regional vice president and San Diego County native, 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 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 transition additional pieces of zero-emissions cargo handling equipment in the years ahead.”
“SSA Marine is the kind of partner we like doing business with. We share a commitment to improving public health and quality of life on and around our marine terminals,” said Frank Urtasun, chairman of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “SSA Marine and many other port tenants are helping to deliver on our promise to support efficient, modern and sustainable maritime operations.”
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