Hyster-Yale - Experts & Thought Leaders

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) opened the first test field for hydrogen-powered port logistics as well as the corresponding hydrogen refuelling station in the Port of Hamburg today. The test field at the Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT) is another milestone on the path to decarbonising logistics. Together with its partner companies from the Clean Port & Logistics cluster, HHLA is testing the reliability of hydrogen to supply heavy goods vehicles during operations. Hydrogen-powered tractor unit Angela Titzrath, Chief Executive Officer of HHLA, opened the test field today together with Dr Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economy and Innovation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Christian Maaß, Director of Heat, Hydrogen & Efficiency in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Antje Roß, Manager Port Networks and Applications, NOW GmbH and Dr Lucien Robroek, President of Technology Solutions Division of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, by successfully filling a hydrogen-powered tractor unit. Angela Titzrath, CEO of HHLA: “We’re pleased to open the first test field for hydrogen-powered port logistics today. It enables us to test future technologies, gather valuable data and evaluate the results. In this way, we are shaping the sustainable future of logistics and continuing to invest in innovative technologies.” “We are sharing our findings with companies facing similar challenges in order to develop climate-friendly transport solutions together. Our objective is clear: We want to decarbonise the logistics sector and achieve our target of climate-neutral operations throughout the Group by 2040.” Climate-neutral operations The potential for the Port of Hamburg and the logistics sector is significant" Dr Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport: “With Clean Port & Logistics, a lighthouse project for the use of hydrogen in port logistics has been created at the Port of Hamburg. From forklift trucks to tractor units and trucks - the hydrogen infrastructure we are funding here is paving the way for climate-friendly logistics on site. I hope that the hydrogen test field will have a strong signalling effect thanks to the commitment of the port players. This is the only way we will succeed in making logistics in Germany climate-friendly.” Dr Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economy and Innovation: “The opening is an important step for the Port of Hamburg. In future, it will enable the use of hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles at the terminals and beyond.” “The potential for the Port of Hamburg and the logistics sector is significant - for example, trucks that regularly come to the Port of Hamburg can also benefit from such an infrastructure in the future. The test field helps us to gain important experience in this area. HHLA and its partners are thus continuing to drive forward the transformation and decarbonization of handling and transport processes.” Container handling vehicles Dr Lucien Robroek, President of Technology Solutions Division at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling: “Hyster is a pioneer in the development of electric heavy-duty trucks including container handling vehicles powered by Nuvera® fuel cells.” “We are excited to be working with HHLA to uncover new possibilities and learnings as we begin testing the Hyster® hydrogen fuel cell-powered terminal tractor in a live port application. We continue to collaborate with forward thinking operations that are keen to explore new solutions as part of their journey towards both sustainability and efficiency.” Heavy goods logistics The check-in at the terminal requires registration in the passify app With the opening of the test field and inauguration of the hydrogen refuelling station, the required infrastructure is now ready to speed up the transition to emissions-free heavy goods logistics and port operations, and to drive forward the decarbonisation of logistics.  Equipment such as straddle carriers, empty container stackers, forklift trucks, reach stackers, tractor units and trucks can be efficiently filled to 350 bar with green hydrogen. The refuelling station will be open to the public and thus also offers other companies the opportunity to test climate-friendly transport solutions. The check-in at the terminal requires registration in the passify app. Climate-friendly investments Since 2022 HHLA has been working together with more than 40 partner companies from around the world in the Clean Port & Logistics cluster. The common goal is to develop solutions to bring hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles and terminal equipment to market quickly as well as to put in place the measures necessary for their use. The common goal is to develop solutions to bring hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles The concepts developed by the working groups for operation, safety, maintenance, refuelling and supply are tested and optimised in practical operation in the test field at CTT. The first trials have been conducted at the refuelling station with equipment from Hyster-Yale, VWG Oldenburg and CMB.TECH’s hydrogen truck over the past few weeks. Their collaboration in CPL helps the companies on the way to decarbonising their processes and making meaningful, climate-friendly investments as they compile the necessary information and practical experience. Heavy goods equipment The cluster as well as the refuelling station received funding of approximately three million euros from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of 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). As part of the ‘Balanced Logistics’ sustainability strategy, HHLA is aiming to become climate-neutral throughout the Group by 2040. To achieve this, HHLA has been relying on the electrification of its processes and equipment across Europe for many years. Hydrogen could make a significant contribution to the further decarbonisation of logistics. In addition to using hydrogen for its heavy goods equipment, HHLA is also active in the field of import and distribution. With its extensive European network of seaport terminals and intermodal connections, HHLA is very well equipped to take advantage of the opportunities in hydrogen import and transportation.

The Port of València is already the first port in the world to use a ReachStacker or stacker capable of moving containers of more than 30 tonnes using hydrogen as the only fuel.  The European H2PORTS project, led by the Fundación Valenciaport, has organised this morning a public demonstration of the three pilots developed within the framework of this project, the ReachStacker (container stacker) and the 4×4 tractor unit propelled by hydrogen and the mobile supply station for this clean fuel. Opening of the conference The demonstration event took place first in the auditorium of the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV), and then at the MSCTV terminal and Valencia Terminal Europa (VALTE), the terminal of the Grimaldi Group, where the participants were able to see the machines in operation. The opening of the conference was attended by Francesc Sánchez, director of the PAV; Antonio Torregrosa, general director of the Fundación Valenciaport; Federico Torres, director of Ecological Transition of the PAV; Mirela Atanasiu, executive director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership (the project’s funding entity); and Josep Sanz, director of Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Fundación Valenciaport and coordinator of the H2PORTS project. Hydrogen ReachStacker The hydrogen ReachStacker on display is an innovative zero-emission solution that uses a fuel cell  During the event, the public was able to see live the performance of the prototype hydrogen fuel cell ReachStacker developed by Hyster which was demonstrated in real operation at the MSCTV container terminal. The hydrogen ReachStacker on display is an innovative zero-emission solution that uses a fuel cell from the manufacturer Nuvera to convert hydrogen into electricity. Hydrogen fuel cell technologies The machine arrived at the MSC terminal for testing in September 2023, becoming the first ReachStacker-type machine in Europe to use hydrogen fuel cell technologies for port handling equipment in real operating conditions. Hydrogen is stored on board the ReachStacker in high-pressure tanks that can be refilled in 10-15 minutes. Reduced operating costs The hydrogen fuel cell supplies power to the electric motors or returns it to the batteries depending on the demand of the task while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution compared to a diesel alternative and with similar performance. In addition, eliminating the diesel engine, transmission and other mechanical drive components from the ReachStacker can help ports reduce operating costs. First hydrogen-powered terminal tractor The test was observed by the more than 150 people attending the demonstration The attendees also traveled to the VALTE terminal where they were able to see in detail the world’s first hydrogen-powered terminal tractor, which was developed by ATENA with the support of ENEA and the Parthenope University of Naples. The terminal tractor loaded with renewable hydrogen demonstrated its autonomy, reliability, and power by hitching up a truck trailer and driving around the terminal. The test was observed by the more than 150 people attending the demonstration, who saw how the only residue of the hydrogen combustion was water droplets. Terminal Tractor This Terminal Tractor has a fuel cell/battery hybrid powertrain which allows the vehicle to perform all the intensive tasks that are required during roll-on/roll-off operations. Its hydrogen storage system, made of four Type 3 cylinders (350 bar), has an overall capacity of around 12 kg, which guarantees a continuous operation of at least 6 hours before refueling, corresponding to the average duration of a working shift. Light and efficient device The electric motor is a light and efficient device, particularly suitable for power-demanding applications. It is fed by a high-performance LiFePO4 battery, with 25 kWh energy capacity, and a 70 kW Ballard fuel cell module. In particular, the electric motor can receive power for traction from the fuel cell and battery simultaneously or charge the battery during braking or decelerations. At the same time, the fuel cell can provide power both to the electric motor and the battery, if needed. The hybrid powertrain shows high operational efficiency, since it takes advantage of a significant share of kinetic energy recovery, up to 25. Hydrogen supply and refueling This supply station consists of a fixed part, located on the Xità quay, and a mobile part, which is used for refueling In addition, the participants visited the hydrogen station, developed by the Spanish National Hydrogen Centre (CNH2), and learned about the details of the hydrogen supply and refueling management carried out by the company Carburos Metálicos. This supply station consists of a fixed part, located on the Xità quay, and a mobile part, which is used for refueling. Hydrogen compressed CNH2 and Carburos Metálicos experts explained to the attendees how they carried out the hydrogen refueling operation of the ReachStacker, during which it was necessary that the mobile part of the hydrogen generator, which stores hydrogen compressed at 300 and 450 bar and includes a dispenser, be moved to the MSCTV terminal. In this first test period, the operation tests of refueling approximately 30 kg of hydrogen from the ReachStacker were successfully carried out, performing the optimisation tasks by the refueling protocols, and complying with the limits and procedures established in the applicable regulations. H2 to electricity The pilot tests, which began in mid-September, are scheduled to run until December 2024, subjecting the machines to real operating conditions in a port terminal. Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier with the benefits of easy storage and when used produces no emissions other than heat and water. The hydrogen fuel cell converts H2 to electricity resulting in a zero-emission equipment that, if combined with the use of renewable hydrogen, is also carbon neutral. The technology shows some advantages compared to other available zero-emission technologies like pure electric versions. This hydrogen version also shows a good operating range, short fuelling time, and low maintenance costs. Reduce the environmental impact of its operations This project reaffirms Valenciaport’s commitment to decarbonisation and the use of alternative energies For Francesc Sánchez, director of the PAV, “this project reaffirms Valenciaport’s commitment to decarbonisation and the use of alternative energies to fossil fuels." "This project that we are presenting today is a pioneer in Europe, a success for the Valenciaport Foundation, the València Port Authority, the European Commission, and all the companies and institutions that collaborate in the H2PORTS project.” Efficient in alternative energies “In the future, the most competitive ports will be the most efficient in alternative energies. At Valenciaport we are committed to all the options that head to decarbonisation, and this project that we are presenting today is probably the first in the world to use hydrogen in port terminal machinery operations,” he added. For his part, Federico Torres, head of Energy Transition at Valenciaport, explained the diversity of projects that the PAV is working on to supply itself 100% with alternative energies: electrical substations so that ships can connect to the electricity grid, photovoltaic, hydrogen, wave, and wind power. Sustainability, digitalisation, and efficiency For Antonio Torregrosa, general director of Fundación Valenciaport, “One of the elements of competitiveness of this port has been innovation. That is why, for some time now, we have been trying out all kinds of technologies that have made this port a world benchmark in sustainability, digitalisation, and efficiency.” Finally, Mirela Atanasiu, Executive Director and Interim – Clean Hydrogen Partnership acknowledged “the efforts of all the technicians, companies and consortiums that have collaborated in this pioneering project, which serves as an example for all the ports in the world”. H2PORTS Port of Valencia is the first port in Europe to incorporate hydrogen technologies to reduce the environmental impact  The European project “H2PORTS – Implementing Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies in Ports” coordinated by Fundación Valenciaport, in close collaboration with the Port Authority of Valencia, and financed by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership programme, has as its main objective to test and validate hydrogen technologies on port machinery that allow for applicable and real solutions without affecting the performance and safety of port operations and producing zero local emissions. The H2Ports project entails a total investment of 4 million euros and involves, in addition to Fundación Valenciaport and the Port Authority of Valencia, the National Hydrogen Centre, and the private companies MSC Terminal Valencia, Grimaldi Group, Hyster-Yale, ATENA Distretto Alta Tecnologia Energia Ambiente, Ballard Power Systems Europe, Carburos Metálicos (Air Products group) and Enagás. Due to this initiative, the Port of Valencia is the first port in Europe to incorporate hydrogen technologies to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. About the Clean Hydrogen Partnership The Clean Hydrogen Partnership, the successor of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) aims to strengthen and integrate European Union research and innovation capacity to accelerate the development and improvement of advanced clean hydrogen applications ready for market, across energy, transport, building, and industrial end-uses, while strengthening competitiveness of the Union clean hydrogen value chain. The three members of the partnership are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by Hydrogen Europe, and the research community represented by Hydrogen Europe Research.

Everything is now ready for the Port of Valencia to become the first European port to deploy hydrogen technology in its activity. Next Tuesday, on 17th January, 2023, the loading test of this clean fuel will be carried out at the hydrogen plant located on the Xità quay. The tank that will receive the hydrogen and the mobile re-fuelling station that will charge it are already at the Port of Valencia facilities. Leak and pressure tests carried out on storage tank During the previous days, the technicians have carried out leak and pressure tests to determine whether the storage tank is leaking and to check that the operation is functioning correctly. Specifically, these tests have been carried out using helium and nitrogen gas mixed with a small proportion of hydrogen, simulating the real conditions of the manoeuvre at high pressures. Tank to be filled with hydrogen On 17th January, 2023, the tank will be filled with hydrogen, the most abundant chemical element in nature, a colourless, odourless and non-toxic gas found in water or biomass, which can be stored for long periods of time. Technicians from Valenciaport, the National Hydrogen Centre and Carburos Metálicos are participating in this operation.The re-fuelling process in a hydrogen plant is very similar to that of a conventional petrol station The re-fuelling process in a hydrogen plant is very similar to that of a conventional petrol station, although the hydrogen is supplied at high pressure. In the next few days, the two prototypes of vehicles that will receive this fuel of the future will arrive at the Port of Valencia for testing at the Valencian precinct. Specifically, they will be tested on a reach stacker vehicle, which will be powered by this energy and will operate at MSC Terminal Valencia; and on a 4×4 tractor unit equipped with a set of fuel cells for testing in the loading/unloading activities at Valencia Terminal Europa of the Grimaldi Group. Test and validate hydrogen technologies on port machinery This initiative is part of H2PORTS - Implementing Fuel Cells and Hyrdogen Technologies in Ports. The project is coordinated by the Valenciaport Foundation and funded by the European Union’s Clean Hydrogen JU programme. Its objective is to test and validate hydrogen technologies on port machinery that allow for applicable and real solutions, without affecting the performance and safety of port operations and producing zero emissions. H2Ports project The H2Ports project will involve a total investment of more than 4 million euros and involves, in addition to the Valenciaport Foundation and the Port Authority of Valencia, the research centres - Centro Nacional del Hidrógeno and Atena Distretto Alta Tecnologia Energia Ambiente and the private companies - MSC Terminal Valencia, Grimaldi Group, Hyster-Yale, Ballard Power Systems Europe, Carburos Metálicos and Enagás.