March 6, 2024 — SSA Marine announced today that it has put into service the first of six pieces of zero-emissions cargo handling equipment that the company will introduce at the Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal over the next 12 to 18 months, while the Port of San Diego has completed the initial installation of the electrical infrastructure needed to support the operation of this equipment.
Photo above: The Wiggins Yard eBull: A powerful electric forklift with a 55,000-pound lifting capacity, pitched at the Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (Photo: Business Wire)
The first piece of zero-emissions equipment that SSA Marine is putting into operation at the terminal is a 55,000-pound capacity Wiggins Yard eBull battery electric forklift. This large-capacity vehicle is one of the largest zero-emissions heavy-duty forklifts in operation in the United States and can lift up to 25 metric tons. Named “The Carrillo,” the electric forklift recognizes the accomplishments of SSA Marine Regional Vice President and San Diego County native Joe Carrillo who facilitated the arrival of the first large-capacity electric forklift fleet in the country, including 26 Wiggins Yard eBull electric forklifts at SSA Marine terminals at the Port of West Sacramento and the Port of Stockton.
SSA Marine, one of the world’s largest independent marine terminal operators, is a leader in the testing and deployment of low and zero-emissions technologies at marine terminals, and the Wiggins Yard eBull is the industry’s first commercialized large capacity, zero-emissions forklift manufactured in the United States.
“SSA Marine is proud to partner with the Port of San Diego to demonstrate the potential of zero-emissions equipment in a marine terminal environment and to further understand what the long-term benefits could look like,” said Bill Fitz, Senior Vice President of SSA Marine’s conventional division. “The Port of San Diego’s proactive approach to electric infrastructure development has been critical to the success of this program, and we look forward to continuing to work together to transitioning additional pieces of zero-emissions cargo handling equipment in the years ahead.”
“SSA Marine is the kind of partner we like doing business with. We share a commitment to improving public health and quality of life on an around our marine terminals,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “SSA Marine and many other Port tenants are helping to deliver on our promise to support efficient, modern, and sustainable maritime operations.”
The purchase of this equipment was partially funded by the state of California’s Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) voucher program.
