Port of Tanjung Pelepas launches Malaysia’s first electric prime mover fleet

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has commissioned Malaysia’s first fleet of electric prime movers (e-PMs), marking a significant step in the country’s maritime decarbonisation efforts. The first 21 units, supplied by Terberg Tractors Malaysia (TTM), entered service on 11 August 2026 to support horizontal container movement within the terminal. The remaining 31 units of the 52-unit procurement programme are expected to be delivered progressively by the end of September.

According to PTP, a proof-of-concept conducted between 2023 and 2024 demonstrated that an e-PM generates approximately 4,000 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent monthly, compared to 7,600 kg for conventional units, representing a 48% reduction in emissions. Additionally, monthly operational costs per unit were reduced by 57% during the testing period.

These locally manufactured vehicles are part of PTP’s long-term expansion programme, which aims to increase annual handling capacity to 16.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2029. The port has set targets to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.