Corvus Energy will supply the battery energy storage system component of a hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane that will be the first RTG crane powered by both a fuel cell and a battery energy storage system in the Americas.

The DP World RTG, scheduled for retrofit in 2024, is part of a Vancouver Port investment to test an array of low– and zero-emission technologies to achieve zero emissions by 2050.

Development of the hybrid-powered crane is part of the Low-Emission Technology Initiative, a collaboration between the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Province of British Columbia where each entity invested CAD1.5 million (USD1.1 million) to support the port community’s transition to low-emission energy.

Designed to reduce port emissions, fuel costs and operating noise, the crane will use a dual hydrogen fuel cell system, developed by Tycrop and H2 Portable in close collaboration with Loop Energy, together with the Corvus battery energy storage system (ESS). 

The ESS improves energy efficiency by channelling regenerative energy back to the battery for reuse during crane lowering operations.

The crane will use a 124 kWh Corvus Orca ESS.

Corvus Energy Sales Manager for Canada Maryam Ebrahimian says: “This accomplishment represents a significant contribution towards more sustainable port and maritime operations and exemplifies the commitment of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, DP World and the project partners to push technological boundaries and embrace sustainable solutions for a brighter future.”