Seatrade Maritime: ZEPA launches battery-electric container handling standards, load tool

The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA) has launched a load profile tool, transition guide and updated voluntary standards to advance adoption of the battery-electric container handling equipment.

The 14-member alliance said its updated voluntary standards aim to reduce fragmentation in battery and charging equipment design, easing adoption and scale-up by improving interoperability.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) overviews in the updated voluntary standards show battery-electric container handling equipment costs remain higher than diesel equivalents in most regions, but will become cost competitive in one to five years. “Among the most advanced segments, BE Terminal Tractors are already approaching TCO of their diesel counterpart in some regions,” said ZEPA.

To help with grid planning and avoiding grid bottlenecks, the new virtual load profile explorer tool shows how charging choices can shift peak energy demand by tens of megawatts.

The alliance said its 2026 plans will focus on demonstrating battery-electric container handling equipment in operation to show the technology not as the future, but a new industry normal. Its priorities will be analysing ways to accelerate the roll-out of battery electric storage systems, producing insights into circular battery lifecycle solutions, and and scaling shore power deployment within terminals.

Marko Hopeaharju, head of HT solutions at Kalmar, said: “As part of 2025 ZEPA collaboration, we have strongly focused on developing voluntary standards, charging strategies and TCO for Straddle Carriers to improve affordability and accessibility. Our latest market releases cover the Megawatt charging system and the next-generation high-energy battery solution tailored for Kalmar Straddle Carriers. We will continue actively supporting terminal operators in their electrification journey during 2026 and beyond.”

Crijn Bouman, CEO and co-founder at Rocsys points out, “We see the transition to zero-emission equipment accelerating rapidly, with ports increasingly recognising the value of hands-free charging. Standardising charging solutions is essential to scaling reliable electric operations.”

ZEPA has 14 members: Ampcontrol, APM Terminals, DP World, Embotech, InductEV, Kalmar, Kempower, Patrick Terminals, the Port of Aarhus, the Port of Rotterdam, PSA Antwerp, Rocsys, and Sany. The secretariat is hosted by Systemiq.