Dubai-headquartered international logistics provider DP World says it has successfully completed initial testing of its hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver.

The hydrogen RTG was developed by DP World in collaboration with industrial manufacturing and engineering company Tycrop Manufacturing Ltd and hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Loop Energy designing and manufacturing the equipment.

“The RTG is now undergoing field testing as the company assesses the feasibility of electrifying its global fleet of 1,500 RTG cranes,” DP World states. 

The company says RTGs are traditionally powered by diesel with just 19 of its RTGs at its Vancouver terminal accounting for 50% of diesel consumption.

Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada says: “This pilot not only marks an important step in DP World’s commitment to decarbonising its operations, but it also sets a new benchmark in sustainable logistics”.

“Real-world testing ensures our solutions are reliable and effective and could open the door to electrifying our global fleet of RTGs,” Smith adds.

DP World launched its hydrogen RTG pilot program in October 2023 by retrofitting a diesel RTG with an integrated solution consisting of a Hydrogen-Electric Generator (HEG), battery energy storage system, hydrogen storage module, regenerative energy capture, and integrated control and safety systems.

“To operate, the RTG crane stores up to 135 kg of compressed gaseous hydrogen in 15 pressurised tanks,” DP World explains. “Hydrogen is fed to the fuel cell system, which charges a high-voltage battery that powers the crane’s electric drive. 

“The bidirectional power system recovers energy when lowering containers, significantly reducing energy demand and enhancing operational efficiency.”

The company says the hydrogen RTG has now entered its second phase which is a one-year field trial to track performance parameters.

If the field trial is successful, DP World says it will consider converting its 25 diesel-powered RTG cranes in Vancouver and Prince Rupert in a bid to meet its zero-emissions objectives. 

“There are additional plans underway to trial an electric terminal tractor at the Port of Vancouver, and the company is in the process of acquiring a fleet of electric vehicles,” DP World adds.