DP World has successfully tested its new hydrogen-powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver. This marks a significant step in the company’s mission to decarbonise its global port operations.
Traditionally, RTG cranes are powered by diesel and are crucial for cargo handling. However, they significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. At DP World’s Vancouver terminal alone, 19 RTG cranes account for 50 per cent of diesel consumption and emit over 4,200 tonnes of CO2 each year. The integration of hydrogen fuel cells aims to dramatically cut down or even eliminate these emissions.
Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, remarked on the significance of this development. He said, “As one of the world’s leading port and terminal operators, we are committed to implementing sustainable practices that will drive industry change. This pilot is a crucial step in our effort to decarbonise operations, setting a new standard in sustainable logistics.”
The pilot project, which began in October 2023, involves retrofitting a diesel RTG with a Hydrogen-Electric Generator (HEG), battery energy storage system, and hydrogen storage module. The crane is now undergoing a year-long field trial to evaluate its performance, including hydrogen consumption and energy efficiency.
DP World is collaborating with TYCROP Manufacturing Ltd., H2 Portable, and HTEC for this innovative project. H2 Portable, in partnership with TYCROP, designed the Hydrogen-Electric Generator using dual fuel cells and a battery energy storage system. HTEC provided the hydrogen storage solution and supply.
The RTG crane can store up to 135 kilogram (kg) of compressed hydrogen in 15 tanks. This hydrogen is fed into a fuel cell system that powers the crane’s electric drive. Additionally, the crane uses a bidirectional power system that captures energy when lowering containers, reducing energy demand and boosting efficiency.
This pilot project is an essential step toward electrifying the company’s global fleet of 1,500 RTG cranes, aiming for a significant reduction in environmental impact while ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness.