Representatives of the Port of Valencia recently visited Hyster-Yale Group facilities in Weeze, Germany to test the operation of the H2Ports hydrogen reachstacker.

Stevedores and terminal staff underwent online training before the test in Germany as  part of the European H2Ports project.

Powered by hydrogen, the zero-emissions reachstacker is currently undergoing thorough testing in handling loaded shipping containers. 

The H2Ports project is a collaboration between the Valenciaport Foundation and the Port Authority and is financed by the European Union’s Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCHJU) program.

The hydrogen-powered reachstacker will be tested for two years after arrival in Valencia. A mobile hydrogen refuelling station, developed by CNH2 and managed by Carburos Metálicos, will guarantee the supply of fuel for the pilot and for the hydrogen 4×4 terminal tractor that will also be tested at Valencia Terminal Europa.

The main objective is to test and validate hydrogen technologies on port machinery to provide applicable and real solutions without affecting the performance and safety of port operations, and producing zero local emissions.

In 2021, the Port of Valencia announced it would be the first port in Europe to incorporate hydrogen technologies to reduce the environmental impact of its terminal machinery operations.