SSA Marine, an independent marine terminal operator, announced that it has completed the transition of its forklift fleet to battery-electric powered equipment. 

The company switched its 44 small-capacity and heavy duty forklifts at Berth 55 at the Port of Los Angeles from propane-fueled to battery-electric powered. 

Berth 55 is the first of SSA Marine’s terminals to fully transition to zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment in its operations.

The battery-electric vehicle deployment at Berth 55, an international fruit terminal where SSA Marine has been operating since the 1980s, includes 12 heavy-duty 10,000-lb. Hyster forklifts and 32 3,000-lb. Hyster forklifts. 

SSA Marine estimates this change will lower propane fuel consumption at Berth 55 by nearly 44,000 gallons each year and reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions by approximately 264 metric tons annually.

“Achieving this sustainability milestone at Berth 55 reinforces SSA Marine’s commitment to environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and innovation, not just in breakbulk, but across our operations,” said Meghan Weinman, vice president of sustainability at SSA Marine, in a statement. “We are proud to partner with the Port of Los Angeles on this ambitious project and we’re confident that Berth 55 will serve as a blueprint for future initiatives.”

The project is the result of a three-year collaborative effort between SSA Marine, the Port of Los Angeles, and other key stakeholders.

SSA Marine continues to test and deploy hybrid and zero-emissions equipment across its global operations.