DP World: Offers Robust, Durable, Efficient & Safe Electric Forklifts
Ravinder Johal - COO, Ports & Terminals, Operations & Commercial, Middle East, North Africa & Subcontinent, DP WorldWe constantly explore technologies that increase our operational efficiency in overall cargo handling. In line with this, we introduced the electric forklifts in our daily operations, which has improved our overall efficiency by offering cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable solutions in indoor and controlled environments. In fact, electric forklifts have been introduced across all DP World facilities.
By investing in electric forklifts, DP World is advancing toward a more sustainable and efficient operation. This transition supports our goal of creating a low-carbon ecosystem by eliminating the greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants typically associated with internal combustion engines. In indoor environments like warehouses and distribution centres, electric forklifts improve the air quality by removing exhaust fumes, contributing to a healthier and cleaner workplace.
Our electric forklifts are built robustly, durable, and show high performance even in demanding environments. They have a powerful motor, designed for a wide range of material handling tasks. They are equipped with advanced safety features to ensure secure handling of heavy loads. Their advanced software allows for better control over speed limits. These integrate with our high-tech safety systems, such as the 360-degree AI pedestrian detection system that we are deploying – a technology that ensures that the electric forklift will stop automatically on detecting a pedestrian, reducing the risk of accidents.
Safety features:
- Automatic Load Control ensures that the forklift operates within safe lifting limits, automatically adjusting speed and power to prevent overloading and tipping risks.
- Stability Sensor System monitors load weight and balance, helping to prevent accidents due to instability, particularly during sharp turns or operations on uneven terrains. It provides real-time monitoring, automatic adjustments, and improves manoeuvring, leading to reduced risk of accidents.
- Seat sensors improve safety through prevention of unattended operation by triggering a shutdown.
- The Reverse Horn enhances awareness, prevents collisions, and improves communication in noisy environments by alerting the personnel nearby when a forklift is reversing.
- Anti-Rollback feature ensures that forklifts do not roll backward on inclines, maintaining control during operations on sloped surfaces.
- Auto Power cut-off during full charging helps prevent overcharging, reducing electrical hazards, and enabling a safer charging environment.
- The Emergency Button for isolation of electrical power is a crucial safety feature as it helps in isolating electrical power in forklifts, enabling immediate shutdown in case of an emergency. By preventing unintended movement, enhancing operator safety, and meeting regulatory requirements, the e-stop button significantly contributes to a safer working environment for forklift operators and nearby personnel.
Globally, DP World is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with an intermediate target of a 42% carbon footprint reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. The adoption of electric forklifts plays a key role in this, as we actively align with the 13th Sustainable Development Goal (climate action) by reducing fossil fuel reliance and lowering Scope 1 carbon emissions.
In addition to electric forklifts, DP World has made strides in electrifying other equipment, including the introduction of electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry (eRTG) cranes and electric yard vehicles across various terminals. We are also considering the use of electric reach stackers for container handling.
DP World is committed to expanding the use of low-emission technologies to make our operations more sustainable. This will play a crucial role in accelerating our transition to greener, more eco-friendly solutions, further aligning with our long-term sustainability goals.
