APM Terminals Kalundborg goes electric: Cleaner, smarter and more efficient logistics

APM Terminals in Kalundborg is preparing itself to turn on the big switch: The electrification of all terminal equipment. Positioned as the Green Zealand Gateway, this initiative sets the terminal as a new icon of sustainable port operations in Northern Europe.

Strategically located in the New West Port of Kalundborg—just one hour from the greater Copenhagen—APM Terminals Kalundborg is the only deep-water terminal on Zealand. The Green Zealand Gateway offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative for cargo handling in the region, combining environmental responsibility with operational excellence.

“This investment is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a promise to our customers, our community, and to our planet,” says Nikolaj Klokholm, Execution Manager, APM Terminals Kalundborg. “Green Zealand Gateway is designed to deliver cleaner, smarter, and more efficient logistics solutions.”

A cleaner terminal through electrification and collaboration

As part of the transformation, the terminal will during 2025 be equipped with three electric reach stackers and four electric terminal tractors, supported by a brand-new charging infrastructure. This move not only eliminates local emissions from cargo handling but also significantly reduces noise and improves working conditions on site. Moreover, in April 2025 the two mobile harbor cranes in the terminal, owned by Port of Kalundborg, were electrified as well.

Throughout the project, there has been a close collaboration between APM Terminals and the Port of Kalundborg. The project has already earned national recognition, winning the 2024 Danish Ports Sustainability Award for its integrated low-emission initiatives. 

A smarter choice for customers and the climate

For customers, the terminal plan to offer handling certificates and contributes to reducing Scope 3 emissions—an increasingly important factor to many companies who are committed to decarbonizing their supply chains through sustainability-focused partnerships.

“Electrification is not just the right thing to do for the environment—it’s also a sound business decision benefitting our customers,” adds Helle Almind, Commercial Manager, APM Terminals Denmark. “The project clearly demonstrates long-term financial value compared to continuing with diesel-powered equipment. This means that we can offer customers new climate-responsible services and products without compromising on neither cost nor operational efficiency.”

Operationally, the terminal continues to deliver on speed and reliability. With a Truck Turnaround Time (TTT) of just 15 minutes, truck drivers and cargo owners benefit from smooth, time-saving operations—while also reducing emissions from idling vehicles. 

The Green Zealand Gateway is also aligned with APM Terminals’ global ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 65% by 2030. It supports the Kalundborg Symbiosis, a regional partnership with companies like Novo Nordisk and Novonesis focused on circular and recourse-efficient development.

In collaboration with the Port of Kalundborg, the terminal will also offer charging stations for electric trucks by the end of 2025, reinforcing Zealand’s low-carbon transport corridor.

“To us, Green Zealand Gateway is a promise. A promise to lead, to innovate responsibly and to create value that goes far beyond the bottom line,” concludes Bo Lange, COO, APM Terminals Denmark.