Yusen Terminals unveiled a testing program for the first zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered rubber-tired gantry crane and will also employ the first all-electric, commercially available top handlers on Tuesday, June 25, at the Port of Los Angeles.
The program will run for four years at the container terminal in the Los Angeles port and is the latest zero-emissions trial being conducted throughout the port complex as the industry pushes to meet clean air goals.
The first commercially available battery-powered electric cargo top handlers in the U.S. were purchased by Yusen and will replace more polluting, diesel-powered equipment.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, under their jointly adopted 2017 Clean Air Action Plan, have set a goal of having all terminal equipment be zero emissions by 2030.
Yusen was selected to test the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, a large gantry crane used to load and unload containers onto trucks or rail cars, or to stack and store containers in a yard. They are among the largest rolling structures, standing six stories high with a span of 80 feet and the ability to stack containers as many as six high.
“Getting to zero-emissions at Yusen Terminals is one of the most important goals we have,” McCorkle said. “That’s why this Hydrogen RTG program means so much to us.”
Yusen Terminal’s Port of Los Angeles facility currently has 14 Paceco Mitsui Transtainer RTGs in operation, all powered by diesel generator systems.
And while some electrified RTGs have been tested, this pilot program will be the first test of a hydrogen-powered RTG. Hydrogen Fuel Cells produce electricity to charge the battery that powers vehicles and equipment. Clean water vapor is the only by-product of the process.
Developed by Paceco Corp. in collaboration with Mitsui E&S Co. as a commitment to a zero-emissions future for ports throughout the world, the crane is an integral part of the four-year program at Yusen.
In prepared remarks made at the…
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