Georgia reduces fuel use

Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has completed the assembly of 11 new RTG cranes at the port of Savannah. The 16-wheel units are able to stack one-over-five high with a span of six rows plus a truck lane.

The RTGs are designed with a power management system that operates at variable speeds. The cranes are always ready to work, but only as dictated by demand. Operating within a spectrum from 800-2100rpm, the machines burn an average of four gallons of diesel per hour, representing a 33% fuel cost savings compared with average consumption on the existing fleet.

The GPA estimates that these new cranes will conserve more than 83,000 gallons of diesel per year.

"Our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment is a top priority for the GPA," said GPA executive director Doug Marchand. "As part of our environmental policy, the GPA looks at new capital improvement projects from the outset for ways to implement them in a more environmentally friendly manner. On several occasions, we have improved efficiency, increased cost savings and reduced negative environmental impacts – all in the same project."

In July this year, the GPA conducted a study to determine the fuel burn-rate of its RTGs. At the time, the fleet consisted of 60 machines utilising one of three types of gensets, a diesel engine and alternator combination, which power the machines. These units operate at a constant engine speed of 1,800rpm. On average, the older RTGs burn six gallons of fuel per hour.

In the next few weeks, the GPA will test two-speed upgrades on its older RTGs with the goal of achieving a more efficient level of energy use.

"Upgrades like these, not only improve our on-terminal operations but also decrease our environmental footprint," said GPA Chief Operating Officer Curtis Foltz. "Refitting our fleet will enable us to take advantage of variable engine speeds and reduce fuel consumption – thereby decreasing per-hour energy use and emissions."

The GPA’s entire fleet of container handling equipment is currently being retrofitted with engine exhaust enhancements to reduce air emissions as part of a US Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant.

"Further improving our environmental performance is good business and can improve the bottom line," said GPA board chairman Steve Green. "The GPA is fully committed to reducing consumption and emissions, while maintaining our world-class operations."