Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has introduced a straddle carrier powered by a hydrogen fuel cell at its Container Terminal Tollerort, expanding efforts to test zero-emission technology in heavy port operations.
The vehicle, developed by Finnish manufacturer Konecranes, is part of the Clean Port & Logistics (CPL) innovation cluster, which is trialing alternative drives for container transport. It follows two hybrid straddle carriers delivered by Konecranes to Hamburg in 2019. The new carrier mirrors that design but operates on hydrogen fuel cells, with the option to convert to hybrid or fully battery-electric systems.
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“With this pilot project, we are demonstrating that hydrogen drive systems represent a genuine alternative in the area of heavy-load operations,” said Dr. Volker Windeck, Head of Hydrogen Projects at HHLA. “The technology matches the performance level of conventional drive systems and generates zero emissions.”
Konecranes manager Hubert Foltys said: “We are grateful to partner with HHLA in testing the hydrogen-powered Konecranes Noell Straddle Carrier. Hydrogen is an extremely promising power source for the world, it would give us enormous benefits starting with carbon freedom at the tailpipe.”
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The hydrogen-powered straddle carrier is part of a wider test field at the Port of Hamburg, where more than 40 companies are collaborating under the CPL cluster to accelerate market readiness for hydrogen-driven heavy vehicles and terminal equipment. The site includes a dedicated hydrogen refueling station.
The initiative is supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport, which has provided around €3 million in funding through the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.