The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor has become the first maritime hub in Malaysia to commission and operate a fleet of electric prime movers (e-PMs), advancing its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in port operations.

These electric prime movers, locally manufactured by Terberg Tractors Malaysia (TTM) in Pasir Gudang, underscore both technological progress and domestic manufacturing capabilities. Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted the initiative as a national benchmark for the Malaysian maritime industry, noting that ports globally are accelerating their transition toward electrification. He also pointed out PTP’s status as Malaysia’s leading transshipment hub and its recognition earlier this year by Alphaliner as the world’s fastest-growing port, with a growth rate of 14.5%. In 2025, the port surpassed 14 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled in a single year, marking another historic milestone.

PTP’s chief executive officer, Mark Hardiman, revealed that a proof-of-concept study conducted from 2023 to 2024 demonstrated significant environmental and operational benefits. The study found that the electric prime movers produce approximately 4,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per month, compared to 7,600 kilograms by conventional units, equating to a 48% reduction in emissions. Additionally, operational costs per unit were lowered by 57%. This development is part of PTP’s broader decarbonisation pathway, targeting a 45% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and a net-zero emissions goal by 2050.

The port has previously electrified its rubber-tyred gantry crane (RTG) fleet in phases since 2011, expanding to 245 electric units currently in operation. The introduction of the e-PMs represents a continuation of this transition toward lower-carbon operations. Hardiman emphasized that these new electric vehicles are integral to PTP’s long-term expansion plan, which aims to increase the port’s handling capacity to 16.3 million TEUs annually by 2029.

TTM’s chief executive officer, Boo Wei Ching, affirmed the reliability and performance of the locally produced electric prime movers following comprehensive testing and commissioning processes conducted in collaboration with PTP. The first 21 e-PMs entered service on August 11 to assist with container movements within the terminal, with an additional 31 units scheduled for delivery in batches by the end of September.

This move by PTP and TTM reflects broader trends toward sustainable practices in the maritime sector, balancing operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.