PACECO Corp., a container handling machinery company, announced the commencement of commercial operations of the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) Crane at the Port of Los Angeles.
The H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, developed in collaboration with MITSUI E&S, began operations at Yusen Terminals Inc. (YTI) on 15 May, marking the first time a fully hydrogen powered RTG crane has gone into commercial operation in the world.
The introduction of the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, which runs 100% on fuel-cell hydrogen technology, offers the ability to achieve zero emissions on large container cranes without connecting to the electric grid. 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 provided by Toyota Tsusho for this project. Modification of existing conventional diesel RTGs is possible to achieve zero emissions with the FCPP system.
A typical diesel-powered RTG crane emits the carbon dioxide equivalent of burning over 400 barrels of oil per year, while the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane emits nothing. This pilot project, scheduled to run over the next four years at Yusen Terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, demonstrates PACECO’s commitment to sustainable port logistics.
“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.”
Initially, the crane will operate for 16 hours per day and will perform at the same efficiency as a conventional diesel-powered or hybrid RTG crane. In addition to emissions reduction, the crane reduces 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,” pointed out Takunari Minamizono, project manager at MITSUI E&S.
Alan McCorkle, President & CEO at Yusen Terminals, commented, “Bringing the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane into operation at our terminal is a critical step towards a zero-emissions terminal. This crane will help support the Port of LA’s ambitious sustainability goals, namely the Clean Air Action Plan, in reducing the emissions that affect overburdened communities near the port.”
This project is partially subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as part of an overall project encompassing a demonstration of the hydrogen supply chain, from local production of clean hydrogen to the consumption point of port container handling equipment and drayage trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology.
