Dutch-owned heavy lifter and project cargo company, Mammoet, has created a zero-emission vehicle it says “can remove the carbon impact of installing large infrastructure such as bridges, wind turbines and power station components.”
According to a statement “it works by converting existing self-propelled modular transporters – or SPMTs – from diesel to electric power.
“SPMTs are the workhorse of heavy industry, used in almost every large energy and construction project worldwide.”
Adding to this, Mammoet says it has “developed a retrofit kit to replace diesel engines in the vehicles with electric motors.
“Once converted, each SPMT works in the same way as before: transporting objects up to thousands of tonnes at walking pace, using a remote control.”
The company says the new vehicle shows its strong commitment to the energy transition, and to its own sustainability.
“Fitting new engines in existing SPMT fleets cuts down on both waste and additional construction, compared to purchasing new zero-emission equipment.
“The new SPMT can eliminate the carbon footprint of site transports. This allows our customers to reduce the impact of large infrastructure projects on surrounding people, businesses and infrastructure.”
“It reduces noise levels at project sites, making working conditions quieter and safer. Communication between staff is clearer, while work can take place for longer at sites with sound restrictions.”
This solution was part-financed by the DKTI, a Dutch government program to develop climate technologies and innovations in logistics.
Mammoet worked with a leading provider of zero emission powertrains for heavy industry to bring the electric power pack solution to market.
The company says there are 40 000 axle lines in use globally since it developed SPMTs in 1984.
It furthermore states that SPMTs revolutionised heavy industry by moving any heavy load safely, efficiently and with precision.
“This next step in its story will be just as significant, reducing their CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions to nil and pointing the way towards a sustainable future for heavy transport.”
