PORT OF TANJUNG PELEPAS ELECTRIFIES PRIME MOVER FLEET

ISKANDAR PUTERI, 22 December 2025 – Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), a joint venture between Malaysia-based MMC Group and Netherlands-based APM Terminals, is set to electrify its prime mover fleet, further advancing its sustainability ambitions and digital transformation.

The port has signed an agreement with Terberg Tractors Malaysia (TTM) to purchase its first batch of electric prime movers (e-PMs), or terminal tractors, for horizontal container movement within the terminal. This fleet of e-PMs comprises 52 units, forming part of a larger order of 94 prime movers, with the remaining units powered by conventional fuel.

PTP Chairman, Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh stated, “This decision reflects more than a step-up in fleet capability. It comes at a meaningful time as PTP marks its 25th Anniversary, a milestone that reminds us that our success has always been built on foresight, innovation and the courage to embrace change. It demonstrates our ability to deliver results that matter for our customers, our people and the world we share.”

“PTP has long been on an ambitious decarbonisation journey, recognising that it is essential for a sustainable future for the port and the wider maritime industry. Our roadmap targets a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on a 2021 baseline,” he said.

Adding to the Chairman’s remarks, PTP Chief Executive Officer, Mark Hardiman commented, “The procurement forms part of PTP’s key expansion plan, which focuses on optimising our existing footprint and ensuring that our equipment readiness matches our growth trajectory. This supports our aim of increasing total terminal handling capacity to approximately 16 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) over the next two and a half years. At the same time, sustainability remains embedded in the decisions we make as we grow.”

“Proof of Concept (PoC) results have shown that an e-PM generates 4,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO₂eq) per month compared to 7,600 kgCO₂eq for conventional units, achieving a 48 percent emissions reduction, alongside a 57 percent reduction in monthly operational costs per unit.”

“Beyond the new fleet of e-PMs, we have also purchased five electric small forklifts (eSFs) and tested them under real-world operating conditions. We also participate in international collaborations, including International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) GreenVoyage2050 initiative, the Australian Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I), and a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Port of Melbourne on sustainable port operations. PTP is fully committed to maritime decarbonisation and responsible port development,” he said.

The signing ceremony for the prime movers saw Hardiman and TTM Chief Executive Officer, Boo Wei Ching, ink and exchange the agreement at PTP’s premises.

The prime movers are scheduled for delivery in 2026. As part of the agreement, TTM will be providing maintenance for the prime movers over a period of 24 months.

Boo commented, “PTP will be the first port in Malaysia to introduce e-PMs from TTM.”

“TTM is proud to join PTP in their sustainability journey and remain grateful for their continued trust and confidence. We look forward to achieving greater heights in performance and innovation, in partnership with PTP,” he added.

PTP was rated by Alphaliner as the world’s fastest-growing port at +15.4 percent this year. PTP is also a key Asian hub under the Gemini Cooperation.

PTP accomplished remarkable operational milestones throughout this year, especially surpassing the 13 million TEU milestone for the first time in history on 6 December 2025, marking PTP as the first single terminal in Malaysia to reach this annual record. PTP handled an average of around 1.2 million TEUs per month without congestion, and achieving more than 15,000 moves in a single 12-hour shift. These achievements demonstrate the terminal’s exceptional capability and operational excellence, reflecting the precision, discipline and synchronisation that drive PTP’s continued success as Malaysia’s busiest transshipment hub.