Australian Maritime Union criticises Flinders’ Terminal funding

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has spoken out against the federal government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) funding commitment of AU$70m (US$45m) to Flinders Port Holdings (FPH) toward investigating the transition to electric automated rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) operations at its container terminal.

Additionally, FPH will explore the potential for connecting berthed ships to the grid to replace diesel bunker fuel.

The CEFC’s funding is designed to support electrification initiatives across seven South Australian ports, including measures that accelerate towards low and zero emissions technologies and operations such as the replacement of internal combustion engine light vehicles and vessels with electric and hybrid alternatives.