DP World Expands Its EV Fleet at Brazil's Port of Santos
The port operator deployed 15 electric terminal tractors and 3 reach stackers as part of a BRL 1.6 billion expansion plan.
Port operator DP World has expanded its fleet of electric cargo handling vehicles at the Port of Santos in Brazil, deploying 15 internal terminal vehicles and 3 reach stackers.
What Happened
The new equipment is part of a BRL 1.6 billion expansion of DP World's Santos terminal that aims to increase container handling capacity to 2.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2028. This initial deployment represents the first phase of a broader modernization initiative that will eventually introduce 44 electric terminal tractors total. Later this year, DP World expects to receive two new quay cranes and six rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), each with a capacity of 41 tons. An additional two quay cranes and nine RTGs are scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
Why It Matters
The electrification effort extends beyond the new vehicles—DP World has invested more than BRL 100 million to electrify 22 existing RTGs at the terminal. Between January and April 2026, diesel consumption declined 29.2% compared with the 2024 average, demonstrating measurable fuel reduction from the ongoing equipment transition. For cargo owners and shipping lines using the port, these changes could translate into more reliable operations as electric vehicles typically require less maintenance than diesel counterparts.
The Bottom Line
DP World plans to continue modernizing its Santos terminal through 2027 with additional cranes and electric equipment deliveries. CEO Fabio Siccherino stated that the investments aim to deliver greater capacity, reliability, efficiency and sustainability for customers while supporting Brazil's long-term trade growth.
