HHLA Container Terminals GmbH and Gottwald Port Technology GmbH are co-developing "the world's first battery-operated automated guided vehicle for container handling".

HHLA Container Terminals GmbH (HHLA CT) and Gottwald Port Technology GmbH are co-developing what they claim is the world's first battery-operated automated guided vehicle (AGV) for container handling.

HHLA CT managing director Herinrich Goller says in light of current concerns about the environment, the company has a responsibility as a terminal operator. "We need to design our facilities to meet these obligations (in the) long term and increase our investment in zero exhaust-emissions technology. "

Goller adds that the current economic situation and forecast rising fuel costs dictate that HHLA CT employ highly efficient and economical technology.

Mathias Dobner, CEO of Gottwald, says the battery-driven AGV is an important module in the handling equipment being developed as part of the manufacturer's environment-friendly range. "By implementing zero-emission, low-consumption and thus environmentally aware technologies, we aim to meet the requirements of our customers," he says.

The partnership between HHLA and Gottwald began in 2000. Gottwald supplied a turnkey AGV system including management and navigation software to the HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA).

Today, about 90 container transport vehicles make up the AGV fleet at CTA.

In 2006, HHLA used diesel-electric AGVs at CTA for the first time. The vehicles emit less operation noise than their predecessor, the diesel-hydraulic AGV.

HHLA says it cut fuel costs by 25% and reduced exhaust emissions significantly with the diesel-electric AGVs.

One of HHLA's modified diesel-electric AGVs has undergone retrofitting for battery operation and passed testing on Gottwald's test field. The vehicle has been transported to CTA to be integrated into the existing AGV fleet in Hamburg for more test runs, and will operate alongside productive AGVs.

Dobner says Gottwald and HHLA expect the tests to provide important information on the anticipated low noise emissions, battery cell operating life and the AGV control system "before we focus on battery cell charging management, the battery-change station and the actual automated battery-changing process".

HHLA CT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen and Logistik AG (HHLA) while Gottwald is a subsidiary of Demag Cranes AG.