Zero emission heavy transport is possible
September 2023
News
A new zero-emission heavy transport vehicle has been created, which can remove the carbon impact of installing large infrastructure such as bridges, wind turbines and power station components. Mammoet – the world’s largest heavy lifting and transport company – is responsible. It works by converting existing self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) from diesel to electric power. SPMTs are the workhorse of heavy industry, used in almost every large energy and construction project worldwide.
Mammoet 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 tons at walking pace, using a remote control. The new vehicle shows Mammoet’s strong commitment to the energy transition, and to its own sustainability. Fitting new engines into 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. 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. With over 40 000 axle lines in use globally, the SPMT revolutionised heavy industry by moving heavy loads safely, efficiently and with precision. This next step in its story will be as significant, reducing CO2 and NOx emissions to nil, and pointing the way towards a sustainable future for heavy transport.
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