- The Hydrogen ReachStacker and the hydrogen 4×4 terminal tractor are the world’s first hydrogen-powered ReachStacker and 4×4 tractor unit to be tested in real operation at a port terminal and have been developed by Hyster and Atena respectively
- The MSCTV and VALTE terminals hosted this public demonstration
- The Port of València is a pioneer in Europe in the use of hydrogen-based technology in the operation of port terminals
Hydrogen Revolution
Port of València pioneers hydrogen-powered ReachStackers, enabling emission-free container handling, reducing greenhouse gases and noise pollution.
Hydrogen-fueled machines by Hyster and Nuvera make history in European port operations, showcasing efficient, eco-friendly technology. This innovation marks a significant step towards sustainable port management, cutting operational costs.
Innovative Showcase
Attendees witnessed the world’s first hydrogen-powered terminal tractor at VALTE, showcasing its autonomy and power, hitching a truck trailer without emissions except for water droplets.
The tractor, by ATENA with ENEA and Parthenope University, boasts a hybrid powertrain ensuring 6-hour continuous operation via four Type 3 cylinders (350 bar) holding 12 kg of hydrogen. Its 25 kWh LiFePO4 battery and 70 kW Ballard fuel cell module enable efficient energy use and kinetic energy recovery up to 25%.
Moreover, they explored a hydrogen station by CNH2 and Carburos Metálicos, learning about hydrogen supply and refueling management. Successful Reach Stacker refueling tests, transferring 30 kg of hydrogen using a mobile generator, mark the ongoing pilot tests’ progress until December 2024, validating operations in real port terminal conditions.
Forward-Thinking Progress
Valencia leads Europe’s port innovation, harnessing hydrogen for zero-emission operations, ensuring environmental sustainability and efficiency gains.
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”.
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, digitalization and efficiency”.
Finally, Mirela Atanasiu, Executive Director ad 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
The H2PORTS project, led by Fundación Valenciaport, aims to validate hydrogen technologies for port machinery, ensuring zero local emissions without compromising operational performance.
With a 4 million euro investment, key collaborators include the National Hydrogen Centre, private companies, and port entities, making Valencia the pioneering European port in adopting hydrogen tech for environmental impact reduction.
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Source: ValenciaPort
