The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has commissioned Malaysia’s first fleet of electric prime movers as part of its terminal electrification programme.
The first 21 electric prime movers entered service on 11 August 2026. They will support horizontal container movements within the terminal.
PTP plans to deploy a total of 52 electric prime movers. The remaining 31 units are scheduled to enter service in stages by the end of September.
The equipment is supplied by Terberg Tractors Malaysia (TTM) following an agreement signed in December 2025.
Electric prime movers cut emissions by 48%
PTP tested the electric prime mover technology through a Proof of Concept between 2023 and 2024.
According to the port, each electric unit generated around 4,000 kgCO₂eq per month during the trial. A conventional unit generated about 7,600 kgCO₂eq.
This represents an emissions reduction of 48%.
PTP also reported a 57% reduction in monthly operating costs per unit during the trial.
“The study demonstrated that an e-PM generates 4,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per month compared to 7,600 kgCO₂eq for conventional units,” said Mark Hardiman, CEO, Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
He added that the trial also showed a significant reduction in operating costs.
PTP targets 16.3 million TEUs of capacity
The new equipment also forms part of PTP’s wider expansion programme.
The Malaysian container hub plans to increase its annual handling capacity to 16.3 million TEUs by 2029.
“These new assets are not solely about advancing our sustainability ambitions,” said Hardiman.
“They also form an integral part of PTP’s long-term expansion programme,” he added.
PTP is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. Before then, the port aims to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.
Equipment electrification is a key part of this strategy.
Between 2011 and 2023, PTP progressively electrified its rubber-tyred gantry crane fleet. The terminal now operates 245 electric RTGs.
The introduction of electric prime movers represents the next stage of this transition.
PTP continues terminal electrification
The new electric prime movers are manufactured locally by TTM in Pasir Gudang, Johor.
“The commissioning of these e-PMs demonstrates the capability of Malaysian engineering and manufacturing to support world-class port operations,” said Boo Wei Ching, CEO, Terberg Tractors Malaysia.
TTM worked with PTP during testing, commissioning and preparations for operational deployment.
PTP is a joint venture between Malaysia-based MMC Group and APM Terminals.
The port handled more than 14 million TEUs in 2025, becoming the first container terminal in Malaysia to exceed that level in a single year.