DP World's Hydrogen-Powered Crane Testing Revolutionizes Port Operations
Key Ideas
- DP World has completed initial testing of a hydrogen fuel cell RTG crane at the Port of Vancouver, aiming to decarbonize its port operations.
- The adoption of hydrogen technology in RTG cranes promises to significantly reduce emissions, offering a more sustainable solution for cargo handling.
- Real-world testing of the hydrogen-powered crane will assess its performance parameters and compare it to traditional diesel-powered cranes in terms of productivity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
- DP World's collaboration with TYCROP, H2 Portable, and HTEC showcases a successful milestone in zero-emission power generation, with plans to convert more diesel-powered cranes if the field trial is successful.
DP World has successfully completed the initial testing of its hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver, a significant milestone in the effort to decarbonize port operations. These RTG cranes, traditionally powered by diesel, have been major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, prompting DP World to explore hydrogen technology as an alternative. The company's pilot project, which began in October 2023, involved retrofitting a diesel RTG with a hydrogen-electric generator (HEG) and other integrated systems for sustainable energy storage. This pilot project aims to evaluate the feasibility of electrifying DP World's global fleet of RTG cranes to reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency.
By partnering with TYCROP Manufacturing Ltd., H2 Portable, and HTEC, DP World has been able to design and test a hydrogen-powered solution for RTG cranes. The RTG crane stores compressed gaseous hydrogen to charge a high-voltage battery, enabling electric drive operations. Through real-world field testing, the company aims to gather data on hydrogen consumption, energy generation, and environmental benefits to make informed comparisons with traditional diesel-powered cranes.
The successful milestone achieved during factory acceptance testing, lifting and lowering a 40-ton load 105 times with zero CO2 emissions, has reinforced the potential of hydrogen technology in revolutionizing port operations. If the field trial continues to be successful, DP World plans to convert more diesel-powered RTG cranes in Vancouver and Prince Rupert to meet its zero-emissions goals. The Port of Vancouver was strategically chosen for this pilot due to its supportive environment for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. This project represents a collaborative effort between industry and government stakeholders to drive innovation and sustainability in port operations.
Topics
Utilities
Renewable Energy
Innovation
Sustainability
Decarbonization
Port Operations
Collaboration
Logistics
Emissions Reduction
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