Providing 100% Carbon Free Port Logistics …
AGL Introduces Electric Tractors At Freetown Terminal
African Global Logistics (AGL), the new owners of Freetown Terminal Limited, has hit the ground running to translate a 2021 commitment to transform the Terminal into a green Terminal, with the acquisition of two new Gaussin Electric Terminal Tractors and a multi-charge station to equip Freetown Terminal in Sierra Leone.
The APM75T HE Tractor is the result of creating a synergy between Gaussin’s expertise in the production of handling vehicles, Blue Solutions in the production of electric batteries, and African Global Logistics. The 100% electric model will enable significant energy savings and will contribute to 100% carbon-free port logistics, as well as reducing maintenance costs while increasing productivity, safety, and driving comfort.
The acquisition of this new equipment is fully in line with the Green Terminal labeling process launched in June 2021 by the former owners (Bollore Transport and Logistics), with the aim of gradually decarbonizing the transportation of containers and vehicle driving in its port terminals.
This approach covers all environmental concerns and is based on a comprehensive methodology built on eight fundamental pillars. The entire process – from defining the project to auditing – has been validated by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s leading companies in testing, inspection, and certification.
Country Manager of Africa Global Logistics-Sierra Leone, Bertrand Kerguelen, said “The implementation of the Green Terminal labelling process is continuing in the network operated by AGL Ports. This new acquisition to equip Freetown Terminal will allow us to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and improve our productivity, thanks to the technology developed in synergy with Blue Solutions and Gaussin”.
Kerguelen said the company has, in the recent past, invested in a one-megawatt solar grid, as part of AGL’s green labeling effort.
Speaking on the compatibility and the environmental friendliness of the electric tractors, Technical Director of Freetown Terminal Limited, Sylvian Ndour, said the electric tractors are designed to save up to 90% in fuel annually, and its operations simplified with reduced maintenance.
The E-Tractors, he went on, provide rapid ROI, as compared to diesel tractors, built to meet operations and maintenance requirements.