ZEPA Launches Battery-Electric Container Handling Standards, Load Tool

Why It Matters

Standardizing electric equipment and charging infrastructure speeds port decarbonisation, lowering emissions and future operating costs for global supply chains.

Key Takeaways

• ZEPA releases new load‑profile explorer for grid planning.
• Updated standards target battery and charger design interoperability.
• BE terminal tractors nearing diesel TCO in some regions.
• Tool shows charging shifts peak demand by tens MW.
• 2026 plan emphasizes demos, storage, circular battery solutions.

Pulse Analysis

The global push toward decarbonising freight hubs has placed ports at the forefront of the energy transition. The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), a coalition of fourteen terminal operators, equipment manufacturers and technology firms, just unveiled a suite of resources designed to fast‑track battery‑electric container‑handling equipment. Its updated voluntary standards address long‑standing fragmentation in charger and battery design, creating a common language that eases procurement and integration. By codifying performance metrics and safety criteria, ZEPA gives terminal owners a clearer roadmap toward zero‑emission operations.

ZEPA’s new load‑profile explorer adds a data‑driven layer to the transition guide, allowing planners to model how different charging strategies affect grid load. Simulations show that strategic, hands‑free charging can shave tens of megawatts from peak demand, mitigating the risk of bottlenecks in ports with constrained electricity supply. The alliance also published total‑cost‑of‑ownership (TCO) comparisons, acknowledging that battery‑electric equipment still carries a premium but is projected to reach parity with diesel within one to five years. Early adopters such as Kalmar’s Straddle Carriers already report TCO convergence in select markets.

Looking ahead, ZEPA’s 2026 agenda centers on real‑world demonstrations that treat electric handling gear as the new norm rather than a pilot project. The alliance will prioritize scaling shore‑power infrastructure, integrating battery‑electric storage, and developing circular‑battery lifecycle frameworks that extend component life and reduce waste. By aligning industry stakeholders around interoperable standards and transparent performance data, ZEPA aims to lower entry barriers for smaller terminals and accelerate global adoption. If these initiatives succeed, ports could cut greenhouse‑gas emissions dramatically while delivering cost‑effective, reliable service to shippers worldwide.

ZEPA launches battery-electric container handling standards, load tool

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent · February 18, 2026 · 2 Min Read · Image: Kempower

The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA) has launched a load‑profile tool, transition guide and updated voluntary standards to advance adoption of battery‑electric container‑handling equipment.

The 14‑member alliance said its updated voluntary standards aim to reduce fragmentation in battery and charging‑equipment design, easing adoption and scale‑up by improving interoperability.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) overviews in the updated voluntary standards show battery‑electric container‑handling equipment costs remain higher than diesel equivalents in most regions, but will become cost‑competitive in one to five years. “Among the most advanced segments, BE Terminal Tractors are already approaching TCO of their diesel counterpart in some regions,” said ZEPA.

To help with grid planning and avoiding grid bottlenecks, the new virtual load‑profile explorer tool shows how charging choices can shift peak energy demand by tens of megawatts.

The alliance said its 2026 plans will focus on demonstrating battery‑electric container‑handling equipment in operation to show the technology not as the future, but a new industry normal. Its priorities will be analysing ways to accelerate the roll‑out of battery‑electric storage systems, producing insights into circular battery‑lifecycle solutions, and scaling shore‑power deployment within terminals.

Marko Hopeaharju, head of HT solutions at Kalmar, said:

“As part of 2025 ZEPA collaboration, we have strongly focused on developing voluntary standards, charging strategies and TCO for Straddle Carriers to improve affordability and accessibility. Our latest market releases cover the Megawatt charging system and the next‑generation high‑energy battery solution tailored for Kalmar Straddle Carriers. We will continue actively supporting terminal operators in their electrification journey during 2026 and beyond.”

Crijn Bouman, CEO and co‑founder at Rocsys, added:

“We see the transition to zero‑emission equipment accelerating rapidly, with ports increasingly recognising the value of hands‑free charging. Standardising charging solutions is essential to scaling reliable electric operations.”

ZEPA has 14 members: Ampcontrol, APM Terminals, DP World, Embotech, InductEV, Kalmar, Kempower, Patrick Terminals, the Port of Aarhus, the Port of Rotterdam, PSA Antwerp, Rocsys, and Sany. The secretariat is hosted by Systemiq.