Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has completed the deployment of 52 electric terminal tractors that cut operating costs by 57% and nearly halve CO2e emissions per unit compared with its diesel machines, sealing Malaysia's largest container transhipment hub's position in the race to electrify yard equipment.

The order, placed with Terberg at the end of 2025, forms part of a 94-unit programme: 52 electric prime movers and 42 conventional-fuel tractors. Terberg Tractors Malaysia (TTM) — a joint venture between Royal Terberg Group and CME Darby Industrial — supplied the machines and will maintain the electric fleet for 24 months under the deal.

The first 21 electric tractors entered service in August; the remaining 31 have now been delivered and the full fleet was launched by Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

What do the numbers show?

PTP validated the business case through a proof-of-concept programme before committing to the full order. The results:

• Electric prime movers recorded monthly emissions of about 4,000 kg of CO2e per unit, versus 7,600 kg for conventional tractors — a reduction of roughly 47%.
• Operating costs came in 57% lower than diesel equivalents.

For a terminal that positions itself as Malaysia's leading transhipment hub handling growing volumes, the cost gap matters as much as the carbon math. Lower operating costs per tractor strengthen PTP's competitiveness on transhipment pricing as carriers weigh berth productivity and unit economics across Southeast Asian hubs.

How does the fleet fit PTP's decarbonisation plan?

PTP framed the rollout as one step in a structured decarbonisation pathway with fixed targets: a 45% emissions reduction by 2030 against a 2021 baseline, carbon neutrality by 2040 and net-zero by 2050.

"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," PTP said.

The 52 electric prime movers sit alongside other moves: PTP has fully electrified its rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) fleet and is switching its remaining diesel prime movers from B7 to B20 biodiesel this year.

Is PTP really first in Malaysia?

PTP claimed in August that it was Malaysia's first port to commission and operate electric prime movers. The claim carries a competitive edge: Westports in Port Klang was rolling out electric tractors from Chinese manufacturer Westwell at the same time.

The rivalry extends beyond equipment. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, launching the full e-PM fleet, said PTP could become a regional green bunkering hub and that the port has "all the necessary ingredients to take the lead and become a driving force in positioning Malaysia as a regional leader in green bunkering."

What comes next?

PTP — a joint venture between Malaysia's MMC Group and APM Terminals — has anchored its next milestones in its 2030 emissions target, the B20 biodiesel switch due this year and the minister's green-bunkering ambition, which points toward further energy-transition investment at the Johor hub.