Container handling machinery manufacturer, Paceco, has announced the launch of the trial for the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tyre gantry crane.
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Being conducted at the Port of Los Angeles, the crane – H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane – was developed in collaboration with Japanese heavy industries company, Mitsui E&S. The crane, which came online on May 15 this year, is the first fully hydrogen powered RTG to enter commercial operation anywhere in the world.
“By bringing the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane into operation, we are not just introducing new fuel technology for cranes but are leading the way for our industry to reduce emissions significantly,” said Troy Collard, general manager of sales at PACECO. “We are excited that this crane is in operation here in Los Angeles and are thankful to our pilot partners for all of their support throughout the process.”
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According to Paceco, a typical diesel-powered RTG crane emits the carbon dioxide equivalent of burning over 400 barrels of oil per year. The H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, on the other hand, emits nothing. The hydrogen fuel cell powered zero-emission rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane was developed by Mitsui E&S in collaboration with Paceco and built by MITSUI E&S in Japan. The fuel-cell power pack (FCPP), an efficient power system replacing a typical diesel genset, was designed and built by Mitsui E&S in Oita, Japan, with hydrogen being provided by Toyota Tsusho for this project. Modification of existing conventional diesel RTGs is possible to achieve zero emissions with the FCPP system.
As a hydrogen-powered crane, the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer does not need to be connected to the electricity grid. The crane is set to operate for 16 hours per day and will perform at the same efficiency as a conventional diesel-powered or hybrid RTG crane, according to the manufacturers. In addition to emissions reduction, the crane offers reducing noise pollution for port workers.
“The debut of the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane at the Port of Los Angeles marks a significant advancement in port technology,” said Takunari Minamizono, project manager at Mitsui E&S. “Mitsui E&S is proud to drive this innovation, showcasing hydrogen fuel cell capabilities and emphasising our commitment to sustainability. We continue to lead in developing advanced technologies that both enhance the efficiency and environmental friendliness of port operations.”
The project received partial funding from the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation as part of an overall project encompassing a demonstration of the hydrogen supply chain. More information on the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane can be viewed here.