In a significant development for the advancement of eco-friendly port operations, Hyster has successfully delivered a hydrogen fuel cell reach stacker to the bustling Port of Valencia in Spain. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the European Union’s H2Ports project, which seeks to introduce hydrogen-powered vehicles and equipment to ports, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.
The Hyster ReachStacker is equipped with a cutting-edge fuel cell system provided by Nuvera. This system features integrated high-pressure tanks for hydrogen storage, offering the unique advantage of swift refueling in just ten to 15 minutes. However, specific details regarding the tank’s capacity remain undisclosed, leaving a degree of ambiguity. Nuvera offers two fuel cell systems, one with a gross output of 53 kW (net: 45 kW) and another with 67 kW (net: 59 kW). The choice of system utilized in the Hyster model remains undisclosed at this time.
Hyster emphasizes that their ReachStacker exhibits the power necessary to lift loaded containers, comparable to that of a conventional diesel forklift. This deployment takes place at the MSC terminal in Valencia, renowned as one of Europe’s largest container terminals. Here, the prototype reach stacker complements a hydrogen-powered tractor and a mobile hydrogen supply station, undergoing rigorous real-world testing until December 2024.
Jan-Willem van den Brand, Director of Global Market Development at Hyster, expressed their pride in being a part of the H2Ports project, highlighting its contribution to zero-emission solutions for port operations. He views the hydrogen fuel cell ReachStacker as a groundbreaking innovation that underscores Hyster’s dedication to sustainability and customer satisfaction. Anticipation runs high as stakeholders eagerly await its deployment at the Port of Valencia, where valuable feedback from end-users is expected.
The H2Ports project receives funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU) and operates under the coordination of the Fundación Valenciaport. This collaborative effort engages numerous partners from the port sector, industry, and academia, demonstrating a concerted commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of port activities.
