Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is testing the first hydrogen-powered straddle carrier at the Port of Hamburg, the company said in a statement.
The vehicle is being used in operations at the testing facility of Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT) as part of the Clean Port & Logistics (CPL) innovation cluster.
The new model from manufacturer Konecranes is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and produces zero emissions.
According to HHLA, initial practice shows that the drive system responds quickly and performs handling operations at the same level as the hybrid version.
The straddle carrier has a modular power system, adaptable to hybrid, battery or hydrogen drive systems through modifications. It is refuelled at the hydrogen filling station at CTT using procedures similar to conventional fueling.
Training modules are being developed to transfer knowledge and establish a skills base.
Dr. Volker Windeck, Head of Hydrogen Projects at HHLA, said: “With this pilot project, we are demonstrating that hydrogen drive systems represent a genuine alternative in the area of heavy-load operations. The technology matches the performance level of conventional drive systems and generates zero emissions. By systematically recording and sharing our experiences in the Clean Port & Logistics cluster, we are creating the basis for climate-friendly transport solutions that benefit not just us but the entire industry.”
HHLA is working with more than 40 partner companies worldwide in the CPL cluster to develop solutions for hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles and terminal equipment. The cluster is testing concepts for operation, safety, maintenance, refuelling and supply at CTT. The cluster and the filling station have received approximately three million euros in funding from the Federal Ministry of Transport under a national innovation programme for hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
The funding guidelines are coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PTJ).
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is a publicly listed logistics company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. It operates container terminals in Hamburg, Odessa, Tallinn and Trieste and provides intermodal transport and logistics services across Europe.
Konecranes is a Finnish public limited company specializing in the manufacture and service of lifting equipment. Its portfolio includes cranes, straddle carriers and port automation technologies, and it operates globally in industrial and port sectors.
