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Press releases Demand for electric machinery in ports is growing rapidly. N.C. Nielsen is now taking the next step in the green transition after Terberg earlier this year launched the RT253EV — a fully electric terminal tractor developed for heavy-duty RoRo operations. The machine has already proven to be a success, and the 2026 order book is now, for all practical purposes, almost fully booked on the strength of Scandinavian orders alone.

Lars Søgaard and Daniel Susgaard, Sales Representatives for Heavy Handling Machines at N.C. Nielsen, is delighted to be able to offer the RT253EV on the Danish market.

“This is an extremely important machine for us. We have been in close dialogue with the factory for a long time to support the development of the machine, and it is clear that the market has genuinely been waiting for a solution like this,” he says.

The first unit will be delivered to Norway during the spring, and over the summer the first machines are also expected to enter operation in Sweden and Denmark.
 

An electric tractor with the same power as diesel

The Terberg RT253EV has been developed for the most demanding environments in ports and industrial areas, where terminal tractors operate around the clock, pulling heavy trailers up ramps and onboard ships.

According to N.C. Nielsen, customers have long been asking for an electric RoRo tractor capable of delivering the same performance as a diesel-powered machine.

“Many people have been curious, but the key point is that this machine is genuinely capable of doing the job. It is every bit as powerful as a diesel machine — just without the emissions,” says Lars Søgaard.
 

A success even before the first delivery

Although the machine has not yet been delivered in large numbers, interest has been exceptionally strong. During a demonstration tour across the Nordic region, N.C. Nielsen has presented a “proof of concept” machine, and the response from customers has been highly positive.

“We already have orders for 20 machines. The factory plans to build around 25 during 2026, which says a great deal about how quickly this has gained momentum.”

A large share of demand comes from ports with clearly defined climate targets, but also from companies where electrification offers direct and noticeable benefits for the working environment.

“When one operator tested the machine for a couple of hours, he realised that he had not been wearing his hearing protection at all.”
 

Quieter, cleaner and better for the working environment

An electric terminal tractor is not only about reducing emissions. For N.C. Nielsen, the working environment is just as important. In a port, where machines operate in close proximity to both people and ships, the difference is immediately noticeable.

The Terberg RT253EV completely eliminates diesel fumes and exhaust emissions, while also reducing noise and vibration. The driver’s cab is the well-known Terberg Ergoturn cab, in which the seat, steering wheel and controls can rotate through 180 degrees. This provides better ergonomics and improved visibility in every direction.

“Comfort is one of the reasons why Terberg holds such a strong position. Operators spend the entire day in these machines, so they simply have to work as they should.”

A strong position in the Nordic region

N.C. Nielsen is the Terberg distributor in Denmark and Sweden, and is also Terberg’s largest independent distributor in Europe. Across all three Scandinavian countries, Terberg has long been a preferred choice for RoRo logistics, where reliability and operational dependability are crucial.
 

Charging is easier than many people think

At the same time, Lars Søgaard and Daniel Susgaard points out that electrification places new demands on port infrastructure. For the RT253EV to perform optimally, the right charging solution is required — but thanks to CCS2, the machine can be integrated easily into existing systems.

“If you already have DC chargers for cars or trucks, in many cases you can use the same charger for the terminal tractor as well.”

With the RT253EV, Terberg is now entering a new phase in which electric power is a realistic alternative — even for the heaviest RoRo operations.

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