ENERGY INSIGHT: Whatever the Weather, Propane Keeps Ports Moving
Ports are critical hubs for global trade and shipping logistics, and they can’t afford to slow down due to extreme weather events. Especially in the Northern U.S., winter storms bring extreme freezing temperatures that can quickly create issues for any diesel or electric engines powering port equipment.
How propane offers unmatched reliability and resiliency when severe weather strikes
Ports are critical hubs for global trade and shipping logistics, and they can’t afford to slow down due to extreme weather events. Especially in the Northern U.S., winter storms bring extreme freezing temperatures that can quickly create issues for any diesel or electric engines powering port equipment. Meanwhile, ports along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast must be prepared for hurricanes every year that can knock out the power grid and slow down operations for days, significantly impeding port operations.
This is where propane has emerged as a reliable and resilient alternative fuel source for port operations. Because it is a clean, reliable, efficient and abundant alternative to gasoline and diesel, propane continues to be adopted for forklifts, port tractors, generators, and light- and medium-duty trucks that keep ports operating in any conditions.
- Performance in Freezing Temperatures
A significant concern in colder climates is the risk of diesel fuel gelling when the temperature drops well below freezing. This scenario can lead to clogged fuel lines and inoperable engines. As a result, ports in regions with harsh winters must perform additional winterization maintenance on their diesel equipment. Specifically, diesel engines may require fuel additives, engine block heaters, or other modifications to function properly below 32°F/0°C. Diesel engines also must idle longer before operation to get the engine warmed up, burning additional fuel. All this costs fleet operators additional time and money.
Propane, on the other hand, does not gel in cold temperatures because it remains in a vapor state down to -44°F. That’s why propane engines don’t experience the same cold-start issues, spend less time idling or warming up, and are overall more reliable in extreme cold.
Propane can power everything from light- and medium-duty vehicles, terminal tractors and forklifts to commercial generators and marine vessels. For example, electric-powered forklifts may need to recharge throughout a shift, but propane forklifts operate at 100 percent for the duration of a cylinder.
