PSA Antwerp (PSAA) has officially joined the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), a global initiative that brings together terminal operators, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and ports around a shared ambition of accelerating the transition towards battery-electric port equipment and, ultimately, net-zero emissions ports.

PSA said joining ZEPA aligns seamlessly with its broader climate goals.

The PSA Group aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

PSA Antwerp is pursuing several measures to meet its emissions goals, with its Green Straddle Carrier Program focused on replacing conventional equipment. As part of the effort, the terminal is assessing fully electric straddle carriers alongside other low-carbon alternatives.

"Straddle carriers are essential for our daily terminal operations but are also responsible for the vast majority of our direct emissions in Belgium," said Francis De Ruytter, regional head sustainability PSA Europe, Mediterranean, and the Americas.

"That's why we are investing heavily in our Green Straddle Carrier Program."

However, the shift to zero-emission port equipment presents significant technical and financial challenges.

Edward Tah, managing director PSA Belgium, noted that "equipment from different manufacturers often lacks full interoperability, and there are very few standardized charging infrastructure solutions available."

"On top of that, battery-electric port equipment requires significant investments. Through this alliance, we aim to accelerate the transition by working closely with other front-runners to scale up zero-emission equipment," Tah added, noting that the unique collaboration across the entire value chain — from terminals to manufacturers and ports — is key to making this possible.