DP World has concluded the initial testing of its hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver in Canada, a key step in decarbonising its port operations.
At the Vancouver terminal, 19 RTG cranes are responsible for 50% of diesel usage, resulting in more than 4,200 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
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The introduction of hydrogen technology is expected to substantially mitigate this environmental impact.
The RTG is currently in the field testing phase, as the company evaluates the potential for electrifying its fleet of 1,500 RTG cranes.
DP World has collaborated with TYCROP Manufacturing, H2 Portable, and HTEC for this initiative.
TYCROP and H2 Portable developed a hydrogen-electric generator (HEG), which employs a dual fuel cell and battery energy storage system, while HTEC supplied the hydrogen storage and fuel.
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By GlobalDataThe pilot project began in October 2023, with the initial phase involving retrofitting a diesel RTG crane.
This retrofit included a HEG, a battery energy storage system, a hydrogen storage module, regenerative energy capture, and integrated control and safety systems.
The RTG crane is designed to store up to 135kg of compressed hydrogen in 15 pressurised tanks. The hydrogen is utilised by the fuel cell system to charge a high-voltage battery that powers the crane’s electric drive.
The crane’s bidirectional power system captures energy during container lowering, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency.
DP World Canada CEO Doug Smith said: “This pilot not only marks an important step in DP World’s commitment to decarbonising its operations, but it also sets a new benchmark in sustainable logistics.”
The RTG crane has now progressed to the second phase, a one-year field trial, during which performance metrics such as hydrogen consumption, energy generation, and energy recovery will be monitored.
The data collected during this trial will facilitate a comparison between the zero-emission hydrogen electric RTG and a conventional diesel-powered RTG, focusing on productivity, reliability, maintainability, costs, and environmental impact.
If the field trial produces positive results, DP World intends to convert its 25 diesel-powered RTG cranes in Vancouver and Prince Rupert as part of its commitment to achieving zero emissions.
The company is exploring the introduction of an electric terminal tractor at the Port of Vancouver and is in the process of acquiring a fleet of electric vehicles.
In February this year, DP World Southampton container terminal announced the enhancement of the UK’s trading infrastructure with a £60m ($75.5m) investment in advanced quay cranes.
