RTG cranes at South Carolina Ports Authority’s Wando Welch Terminal will soon operate on sustainable and eco-friendly engines thanks to a $2 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Through a great partnership with DHEC, we have secured EPA funding to upgrade our 12 least efficient RTG cranes with high performing, environmentally friendly battery/genset hybrids,” said Stephen Brisben, Mechanical Technical Specialist for SCPA’s Heavy Lift Maintenance Department. “This aligns with our efforts to upgrade equipment to both improve air quality standards in the Lowcountry and enhance terminal operations.”

The grant was issued as part of the  Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program supporting the upgrading of various fleets from school buses, transit airport buses, long and short-haul trucks, marine engines, locomotive replacements, and more for cleaner environments and an overall reduction in harmful emissions.

“For the past 10 years, the DERA program has played an important role in helping to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines while simultaneously creating opportunities for economic growth and development in South Carolina,” DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality Chief Rhonda Thompson said. “We are excited about this new opportunity to work alongside the South Carolina Ports Authority — an entity whose work is crucially important in supporting both our state and regional economies.”

SCPA’s Chief Operating Officer Barbara Melvin confirmed the 12 rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTG) upgrades are part of the overall vision to implement sustainable and efficient equipment solutions. Additionally, the upgrades were reported to support reducing fuel consumption while cutting up to 96 percent of particulate matter, air toxins, and nitrogen oxides.