First Domestically Produced Zero-Emission Electric Yard Tractor Debuts at Busan Port

by Kim Yongu

Published 17 Apr.2026 09:43(KST)

A domestically produced zero-emission electric yard tractor has made its debut at Busan Port.

On April 17, Busan Port Authority (BPA, President Song Sangkeun) announced that, in partnership with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, it has introduced the first-ever domestically produced zero-emission cargo handling equipment-electric yard tractors-at Busan Port through the "Port Decarbonization Transition Support Project."

The electric yard tractors introduced this time underwent performance verification during a two-month trial run at Busan Port starting in July last year. Following this, a total of two units were deployed at two terminal operators at Busan Port, each operator receiving one unit, selected through a public tender.

Zero-emission electric yard tractor appearing at Busan Port.

The equipment is more than 90% localized in terms of components, and features an optimized operator cabin, a real-time remote monitoring system, and an intelligent battery management system, all of which enhance operator convenience and operational efficiency.

The "Port Decarbonization Transition Support Project" is an initiative that subsidizes the cost of converting existing diesel or LNG-based yard tractors to electric equipment. It has been promoted since 2025 to provide market opportunities to cargo handling equipment manufacturers and reduce the adoption cost burden for terminal operators, thereby accelerating the creation of eco-friendly ports.

The support covers 50% of the adoption cost (25% from the national budget and 25% from the port authority) within the allocated budget. Busan Port Authority and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plan to continue the support project by inviting applications from operators through a public tender in June this year.

Song Sangkeun, President of Busan Port Authority, stated, "With the introduction of domestically produced zero-emission electric yard tractors at Busan Port for the first time, we expect the transition to eco-friendly ports to accelerate," adding, "We will contribute to achieving carbon neutrality, ensuring energy security, and fostering the growth of the port equipment industry."