A new zero emission heavy transport vehicle that can remove the carbon impact of installing large infrastructure such as bridges, wind turbines and power station components is being touted by its creator Mammoet.
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.
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 tonnes at walking pace, using a remote control.
Mammoet says fitting new engines in existing SPMT fleets cuts down on both waste and additional construction, compared to purchasing new zero emission equipment.
The company says its new SPMT can eliminate the carbon footprint of site transports and 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 programme to develop climate technologies and innovations in logistics. Mammoet worked with an unnamed provider of zero emission powertrains for heavy industry to bring the electric power pack solution to market.
