Tanjung Pelepas completes rollout of 52 electric terminal tractors

Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia’s main container transhipment hub, has completed the deployment of 52 electric terminal tractors (e-PMs) ordered from Terberg at the end of 2025. The first 21 units entered service in August, and the remaining 31 have now been delivered.

The first 21 electric prime movers, supplied by Terberg Tractors Malaysia (TTM), entered service in August, with the remaining 31 now delivered.The terminal tractors form part of a 94-unit order, with the other 42 tractors powered by conventional fuel. Under the deal, TTM, a joint venture between Royal Terberg Group and Sime Darby Industrial, will provide maintenance for the electric fleet for 24 months.

“As we continue to handle growing volumes as Malaysia’s leading transhipment hub, we recognise that business growth and environmental sustainability must advance hand in hand. The 52 e-PMs form part of our structured decarbonisation pathway to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 against our 2021 baseline, achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” PTP said.

The deployment follows a proof-of-concept programme that put the electric tractors’ economics to the test. PTP said that the electric prime movers recorded monthly emissions of about 4,000 kg of CO2e per unit, against 7,600 kg for conventional tractors, while operating costs were 57% lower. Port of Tanjung Pelepas said in August that it was Malaysia’s first port to commission and operate electric prime movers. The claim, however, came as Westports in Port Klang was also rolling out electric tractors from Chinese manufacturer Westwell.

PTP, a joint venture between Malaysia’s MMC Group and APM Terminals, has also fully electrified its RTG fleet and is switching its remaining diesel prime movers from B7 to B20 biodiesel this year.

Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, who launched the full e-PM fleet, said PTP could become a regional green bunkering hub. YB Loke said that PTP has all the necessary ingredients to take the lead and become a driving force in positioning Malaysia as a regional leader in green bunkering.