Port operator to invest 300 million in electric cranes

Meridian Port Holdings will replace its diesel cranes with electric ones over the next five years, in a 300-million investment that it says will cut the port's emissions by half.

The company also plans to supply shore power to ships at berth, so they can switch off their engines while loading and unloading.

Economists at the Harbour Business School said the sector has recovered strongly over the past two years, helped by lower energy prices.

Staff representatives said they had been consulted early and supported the plan, provided that training is offered to everyone affected.