Bolloré Ports has ordered two APM 75T HE electric port tractors, four POWERPACK HE and a 6×4 multi-load station from Gaussin for the Freetown port terminal in Sierra Leone.
The order is part of Bolloré Ports’ ‘Green Terminal’ labelling process, initiated in 2021, that aims to contribute to the reduction of its carbon footprint through eight fundamental pillars.
Christophe Gaussin, CEO of the Gaussin Group, said: “We are honoured by the confidence Bolloré continues to have in Gaussin’s expertise and technology.
“This new order, the third from Bolloré Ports, also attests to the commercial success of the APM 75T equipped with batteries from Blue Solutions, the model now deployed in Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.”
Utilising the combined expertise of Gaussin in the production of handling vehicles, Blue Solutions’ expertise in the production of electric batteries and Bolloré Ports expertise in port logistics, the APM 75T HE is the first container transport solution specifically designed for hot countries.
It uses a unique solid-state battery technology which is reliable at external temperatures ranging from -20°C to +60°C.
Designed on the basis of a modular and versatile platform, the APM is the only electric port vehicle on the market capable of operating without interruption due to Gaussin’s patented ‘battery swap system that allows the batters to be changed in just a few minutes.
The FULL ELEC model not only contributes toward carbon-free port logistics and significant energy savings but also helps to reduce maintenance costs.
It uses the LMP battery, an entirely solid-state technology, designed and produced by Blue Solutions, a subsidiary of the Bolloré Group.
Fully produced in France, it does not contain cobalt, nickel, solvents or rare earth elements, ensuring independence from material that are increasingly critical to society and the environment.
Philippe Labonne, CEO of Bolloré Ports, said: “Gaussin’s technology is fully in line with our ground-breaking Green Terminal process, which aims to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. It was therefore a natural decision to continue our collaboration with Gaussin through this new order.
“The success of this French partnership is also proof that pooling skills to fight against the effects of global warming can lead to concrete actions to effectively and sustainably fight against global warming while improving operational performance.”
Bolloré Ports’ Freetown Terminal is the main container terminal in Sierra Leone with a capacity of 380,000 teu and is the most important gateway for trade and commerce in the country.
The company has recently undertaken a series of improvements at this terminal including the integration of modern, adapted and environmentally friendly handling equipment.
Bolloré Ports’ objective is to bring the productivity of these port infrastructures in Sierra Leone up to the level of the best ports on the African continent in a very short term.
