PERC Brings Clean Port Solutions to Breakbulk Americas

RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 21, 2026) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) will be at Breakbulk Americas in Houston, Texas, Sept. 22-23 to discuss propane’s advantage in pricing, immediacy and resilience for port operations, also exhibiting three pieces of propane-powered equipment on-site.

Record cargo volumes are putting unprecedented pressure on ports to move more freight while facing electric interconnection delays and skyrocketing diesel prices that threaten operational budgets. Diesel prices hit a record $5.85 a gallon in September and are expected to keep climbing, with the U.S. Department of Energy forecasting an average retail price of $4.40 a gallon in 2027 — 33 cents, or 8.2%, higher than its previous forecast. As port operators navigate these mounting financial and logistical challenges, propane offers a budget-protection strategy and an immediate alternative fuel solution that can be deployed at a fraction of the cost of electric alternatives.

3 Propane-Powered Equipment Pieces at Breakbulk Americas

1. Caterpillar Propane Generator

The Caterpillar Propane Generator delivers reliable, propane-powered generation for facilities, remote applications and EV charging, enabling operators to rapidly add clean capacity without waiting on delayed or costly utility grid upgrades. Propane can be stored conveniently on-site, providing a dependable alternative to traditional diesel generation.

2. Capacity TJ 9000 Propane Terminal Tractor

At a Glance: 25% lower fuel spend | Refuels in minutes

The Capacity TJ 9000 yard truck is the ultimate power player, designed for maximum uptime and powered by the propane PSI 8.8L engine. From the one-piece structural steel frame to the interior of the all-steel cab, every aspect of the TJ 9000 is engineered to meet the needs of the biggest jobs. This yard truck is ideal for extra-heavy-duty applications and is capable of a GCVWR of up to 180,000 pounds. The industry-exclusive Capacity DURA-RIDE® independent rear air spring suspension and the TJ 9000 terminal truck provides not only robust performance, but also a smoother ride that protects operators and equipment.

3. Caterpillar GP50CN Propane Forklift

At a Glance: 5-ton lift capacity | Zero charging downtime | 30% lower upfront cost than electric | Manufactured by Logisnext Americas

The Caterpillar GP50CN is a heavy-duty, internal combustion pneumatic-tire propane forklift designed for demanding industrial, construction and port operations. It delivers consistent power throughout the shift without charging downtime, offering competitive total cost of ownership and avoiding expensive charging infrastructure or battery room additions.

The Propane Advantage for Ports

Reliance on “electrification-only” mandates can create a supply chain bottleneck — one that could worsen as global shipbuilding expands at a 27% year-over-year rate. Renewable propane offers an immediate, flexible solution that gives operators greater control over deployment times and operational continuity while electrical grid capacity remains constrained.

• Ease of Use & Immediate Deployment: Propane equipment refueling takes roughly 10 minutes, avoiding the multishift downtime required to recharge electric alternatives and enabling continuous duty cycles without costly or delayed utility grid upgrades.

• Lower Operating & Upfront Costs: Switching from diesel to propane yard tractors delivers 25% lower fuel costs, at $6.17 per hour compared with $8.14 per hour for diesel. Additionally, propane forklifts offer a purchase price about 30% lower than electric-powered alternatives without requiring expensive charging infrastructure installations.

• Reduced Maintenance & Upkeep: Propane’s cleaner combustion places less stress on engines, resulting in fewer oil changes, longer equipment service life and the elimination of complex Tier 4 diesel emissions aftertreatment systems.

• Lower Emissions, Safer Working Environment: Modern propane engines reduce emissions compared with diesel, helping fleets meet or exceed sustainability goals. Converting older diesel yard trucks and forklifts to propane can lower fuel costs while reducing emissions in communities affected by industrial air pollution.

“Port operators aren’t only focused on budgets, but also on ease of operation and the bridge to automation,” said Jim Bunsey, senior manager of business development at PERC. “Integrating renewable propane into supply chain operations eliminates downtime for maintenance upkeep, and delivers a proven, reliable performance that can be deployed anywhere, anytime. Propane provides the continuous, uninterrupted power essential to support automated operations without the intermittency and downtime risks associated with electric battery charging cycles.”

Propane’s Proven Reliability

Ports that have already integrated propane into their operations have reduced their exposure to volatile diesel prices and lengthy grid interconnection timelines. Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) made the switch from diesel to propane-powered tractors, and is on track to deploy 54 propane terminal tractors by the end of 2026.

In 2024, PNCT introduced 20 LPG-powered terminal tractors as replacements for diesel units, and are adding 34 additional tractors by the end of 2026. In the near future, over 84% of PNCT’s terminal tractor fleet will be powered by LPG.

“We view propane as an important part of our long-term equipment and sustainability strategy,” said Charlie Ferlisi, director of engineering and equipment services at PNCT. “As the remaining diesel units reach the end of their service life, we expect them to be phased out and replaced with LPG-powered equipment as well. Propane has proven to be a reliable, cleaner-burning energy source that supports our sustainability goals while maintaining the performance and uptime required. Looking ahead, expanding the use of propane-powered equipment allows us to improve sustainability, enhance operator experience and maintain dependable performance, making it a practical solution for the future of PNCT operations.”

Propane has delivered more than resilience and pricing benefits for PNCT. Internal testing found a 99% reduction in NOx, 77.5% reduction in total hydrocarbon idle emissions, 14% reduction in CO2 and 75% reduction in total particulate matter compared with diesel.

“The propane-powered terminal tractors operate much more quietly and produce substantially fewer exhaust emissions, creating a cleaner, safer and healthier working environment,” Ferlisi said. “These results reinforce our commitment to improving both workplace conditions and environmental performance while maintaining reliable operational productivity. As diesel costs remain volatile, propane presents an attractive option for reducing total cost of ownership while also delivering meaningful environmental benefits through lower emissions and cleaner operation.”

Bunsey, Ferlisi and representatives from Caterpillar, Capacity Trucks, PNCT and Leonardo will be available throughout Breakbulk Americas at Stand R10 to demonstrate all three pieces of equipment and share their experiences using propane in port operations, including its pricing, immediacy and reliability advantages.

Breakbulk Americas attendees are encouraged to stop by the PERC stand to see the equipment exhibitions and learn more about how propane can help ports reduce operating costs and power equipment reliably while meeting decarbonization mandates.