THE CLEAN Energy Finance Corporation has announced a $70-million investment to help Flinders Port Holdings electrify its operations.

CEFC, which is owned by the Australian government, said the investment is the first-ever green financing of container stevedoring operations in Australia, and the corporation’s first direct finance in the maritime sector.

The investment would support investigations into a transition from hybrid straddle carriers to an electric Automated Rubber Tyre Gantry crane at the Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal (an Australian-first, according to CEFC), and also the potential for shore power.

It also aims to support a range of initiatives at all seven FPH ports, including installation of solar systems and replacing internal combustion light vehicles with EVs.

Federal energy minister Chris Bowen said electrification is a pathway to lower emissions and reduced costs in a “very hard to abate” sector.   

“This is a milestone project as we take early steps towards the electrification of Australian ports, beginning in South Australia,” he said.

“This innovative partnership will enhance these ports and help support local jobs and industries.”

CEFC chief executive officer Ian Learmonth said FPH, as an owner and operator of multiple ports, is in a unique position to “catalyse change”.

“Our work with FPH will demonstrate the potential for a more sustainable maritime sector, setting a precedent for decarbonisation across some 70 Australian ports,” Mr Learmonth said.

“The actions taken by FPH … place it at the forefront of the industry, giving it a competitive edge as the world transitions to net zero emissions.”

And FPH chief executive officers Stewart Lammin said sustainability is a guiding philosophy in planning and development at the ports.

“We value and appreciate the support of the CEFC in assisting us to achieve our objectives and for the opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge across sectors,” he said.

FPH has committed to a target of net-zero scope-one and -two emissions by 2040, and scope three by 2050.