Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) has received an award for implementing 20 propane-powered Mafi terminal tractors.

PNCT first tested a propane-powered Mafi terminal tractor in late 2022. The tractor was powered by PSI’s 8.8-litre propane engine, certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board for use in mobile, off-road applications. The engine emits 0.002 grams of NOx per brake horsepower and generates 270 hp (201 kW) with 565 ft-lbs (767 N/m) of torque.

PNCT now operates 20 Mafi machines at its terminal and has been bestowed with an “Energy for Everyone Hero” award by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

“The new propane-powered tractors are significantly cleaner than diesel-powered models, the most common fuel source currently used in ports,” PERC said in a statement.

It noted that the PSI engines emit “99 percent less NOx, near zero particulate matter, 51 percent less total hydrocarbons, and 14 percent less lifecycle carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to their diesel counterparts. In real-world testing at the port, the vehicles also demonstrated enough power to easily handle operations without loss of power.”

“We are impressed with the performance and environmental benefits of the propane-powered tractors,” said Charlie Ferlisi, director of engineering and equipment services at PNCT. “Propane is efficient, powerful, and clean, making it an environmentally safe choice for our operations. This transition not only helps us reduce emissions but also supports our longshoremen by providing a safer and healthier work environment.”

Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) has received an award for implementing 20 propane-powered Mafi terminal tractors.

PNCT first tested a propane-powered Mafi terminal tractor in late 2022. The tractor was powered by PSI’s 8.8-litre propane engine, certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board for use in mobile, off-road applications. The engine emits 0.002 grams of NOx per brake horsepower and generates 270 hp (201 kW) with 565 ft-lbs (767 N/m) of torque.

PNCT now operates 20 Mafi machines at its terminal and has been bestowed with an “Energy for Everyone Hero” award by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

“The new propane-powered tractors are significantly cleaner than diesel-powered models, the most common fuel source currently used in ports,” PERC said in a statement.

It noted that the PSI engines emit “99 percent less NOx, near zero particulate matter, 51 percent less total hydrocarbons, and 14 percent less lifecycle carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to their diesel counterparts. In real-world testing at the port, the vehicles also demonstrated enough power to easily handle operations without loss of power.”

“We are impressed with the performance and environmental benefits of the propane-powered tractors,” said Charlie Ferlisi, director of engineering and equipment services at PNCT. “Propane is efficient, powerful, and clean, making it an environmentally safe choice for our operations. This transition not only helps us reduce emissions but also supports our longshoremen by providing a safer and healthier work environment.”