Loke urges Malaysian ports to speed up green transition with electric terminal trucks

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has called on Malaysian port operators to expedite their green transition efforts, including the introduction of electric terminal trucks for port operations. The minister highlighted that this shift aligns with Malaysia's commitment under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Loke emphasized that carbon reduction efforts at the port level must keep pace with the global shipping industry's transition to alternative fuels such as methanol, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and ammonia. The adoption of electric-powered machinery, like the e-prime movers implemented by the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), is seen as a step in the right direction.

However, Loke acknowledged that the decision to invest in new assets remains with the port operators. He expressed confidence that other ports would follow suit. Loke also stressed the importance of greater compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards to enable local ports to operate more responsibly while maintaining competitiveness in the global shipping industry.

The Transport Ministry is committed to creating policies and regulations to support these green initiatives. Collaboration with the Australian government is underway to formulate regulations on green fuel supply and fine-tune standard operating procedures at ports. Loke noted the need for supporting infrastructure, including charging stations and new safety protocols, for smooth terminal operations.

He also praised the consolidation of PTP and Pasir Gudang Port under the 'Johor Port' brand, which has helped them rank 11th among the world's busiest ports, just behind Port Klang. Loke sees immense potential in PTP to become Malaysia's largest green bunkering and transhipment hub, expecting this initiative to attract further investment and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding areas.