- MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, PACECO Corp., have announced the commencement of commercial operations for the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane, the MITSUI-Paceco H2-ZE Transtainer crane, at the Port of Los Angeles.
- This milestone sets a new standard for zero-emission port operations.
The H2-ZE Transtainer crane was developed and completed at the MITSUI Oita factory in April 2023. During its development, it was confirmed that the crane can achieve the same operational performance as conventional diesel-powered Transtainer cranes.
The newly built H2-ZE Transtainer was delivered to Yusen Terminals Inc. and has entered commercial operation to validate data collected during the development phase for future improvements. This project is part of a broader initiative demonstrating the hydrogen supply chain from local production of clean hydrogen to its consumption by port container handling equipment, partially subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
Addressing Emissions at Ports
Ports, which serve as global logistics hubs, are significant emitters of CO2 and toxic substances from diesel exhaust and are actively seeking solutions to eliminate these emissions. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have set an aggressive goal in their Clean Air Action Plan to eliminate emissions from all cargo handling equipment by 2030. Diesel-powered RTGs, commonly used in terminals, are significant contributors to these emissions. The use of hydrogen allows the H2-ZE Transtainer cranes to produce zero emissions without the need to connect to the electric grid, enabling terminal operators to save on civil work investment and avoid disrupting current operating procedures. Additionally, diesel-powered RTGs at the port can be modified to use hydrogen, reducing the time needed for terminals to meet port goals.
Contribution to Decarbonization
By supplying both new H2-ZE Transtainer cranes and retrofitting existing diesel-powered RTG fleets, MITSUI E&S, along with PACECO, is contributing to the decarbonization of ports. This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices in port operations.
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Source: MES
