Page 19: of Marine News Magazine (September 2025)

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Fuel Transition

Propane equipment are the best candidates to replace or convert to Step 6: Acquire Equipment and Install propane over the short, medium, and long term. Typically, Refueling Systems your oldest equipment, equipment with the most mileage, With refueling infrastructure planning in place and equipment with a history of maintenance issues, and/or equipment selected, you can start to proceed with instal- equipment with the worst fuel ef? ciency or emissions will lation and procurement. To integrate into your operation be your ? rst candidates for replacement. with minimal disruption, consider a phased approach be- ginning with vehicles most in need of replacement.

Step 3: Partner with PERC and a Local Propane Supplier

Both the Propane Education & Research Council Step 7: Train Your Workforce (PERC) and your local propane supplier are great resources Preparing and training your equipment operators, main- to utilize during the planning and rollout of your propane tenance personnel, and safety teams is crucial for a suc- equipment. These partners can help you throughout the cessful transition. Fortunately, some OEMs will provide decision-making process, from evaluating the best technol- maintenance and service training to get you started. First ogies to ? t your needs to working with original equipment and foremost, teams should be thoroughly educated on the manufacturers (OEMs). To ? nd a supplier in your area and safe handling of propane and propane equipment, includ- start the conversation, visit propane.com/where-to-buy. ing proper refueling procedures, leak detection and routine inspections, and emergency response. Ongoing training

Step 4: Evaluate New Propane Equipment will help maintain safety and compliance standards. You

Next, it’s time to start looking at what propane equip- can then train on the operation of speci? c pieces of equip- ment options are out there from various OEMs, such as ment, though most operators will ? nd signi? cant overlap the latest in low NOx terminal tractors and forklifts. Pay between the function of propane equipment and previous close attention to factors such as load capacity, duty cycle, diesel equipment.

refueling time, and emissions requirements when evalu- ating equipment. Beyond traditional propane-powered Step 8: Track Progress Towards Goals material handling equipment, your propane supplier and As your transition progresses, keep track of perfor-

OEMs can guide you through the other ways propane can mance metrics in relation to your original ? nancial, power operations at the port. For example, propane-pow- operational, and sustainability goals. Monitor average ered generators can provide shore power to docked ships emissions reductions as well as fuel and maintenance and supplement the existing electric grid — protecting costs savings over time. This data will not only be need- your operation from potential power outages. ed for both regulatory and internal stakeholder report- ing but will help guide your future operational decisions

Step 5: Plan Fueling Infrastructure with Your over the long term.

Propane Supplier

A common question port operators ask is how to handle A Worthwhile Move to Propane refueling. Your local propane supplier can help you explore Making the switch from diesel to propane is a process the various options, from installing a private station with that can take a few months, but it’s easier than many port onsite tanks and refueling dispensers to setting up a cus- operators might assume. It’s also a smart, scalable way for tomized mobile propane delivery schedule via bobtail or ports to make meaningful long-term reductions to emis- cylinder exchange program. Your supplier can also assist sions and operating costs without giving up performance you with permitting, compliance, and fuel supply con- of ef? cient operations. To learn more about how propane tracts. Not only do these fuel agreements help you plan can make a difference at ports or to learn how to start mak- fuel budgets for the year, but in some cases, propane sup- ing the upgrade for your operation, visit propane.com/ pliers may provide the infrastructure at little to no cost in material-handling-for-ports.

exchange for a fuel contract.

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