DP World pilots hydrogen fuel cell crane at Port of Vancouver

[Caribbeans]

Hydrogen fuelled rubber tired gantry crane at the Port of Vancouver (CNW Group/DP World)

DP World pilots hydrogen fuel cell crane at Port of Vancouver

Traditionally powered by diesel, rubber-tired gantry cranes are essential for cargo handling but are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

April 25, 2025 | MRO Magazine

DP World says it has completed initial testing of its hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver, a milestone in efforts to decarbonize its port operations. The RTG is now undergoing field testing as the company assesses the feasibility of electrifying its global fleet of 1,500 RTG cranes.

Traditionally powered by diesel, RTG cranes are essential for cargo handling but are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. At DP World’s Vancouver terminal, 19 RTG cranes account for 50 per cent of diesel consumption and generate over 4,200 tonnes of CO2 annually. The adoption of hydrogen technology promises to dramatically reduce or even eliminate this impact, the company says.

“As one of the world’s foremost port and terminal operators, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable practices that will drive industry-wide change,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada. “This pilot not only marks an important step in DP World’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations, but it also sets a new benchmark in sustainable logistics. Real-world testing ensures our solutions are reliable and effective and could open the door to electrifying our global fleet of RTGs.”

DP World launched its pilot project in October 2023. The first phase included retrofitting a diesel RTG with an integrated solution consisting of a Hydrogen-Electric Generator (HEG), battery energy storage system, hydrogen storage module, regenerative energy capture, and integrated control and safety systems. The RTG has now entered its second phase, a one-year field trial to track performance parameters such as hydrogen consumption, energy generation, and regenerative energy capture rates...more
https://www.mromagazine.com/2025/04/25/dp-world-pilots-hydrogen-fuel-cell-crane-at-port-of-vancouver/

1 yr ago: PACECO-Mitsui Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered Transtainer Crane