The busiest port in the United States has deployed the world's first hydrogen fuel cell powered rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane.

The H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, developed by Mitsui E&S and its American subsidiary Paceco, began operations at Yusen Terminals at the Port of Los Angeles earlier this month, the first time a fully hydrogen powered RTG crane has gone into commercial operation.

The crane, built by Mitsui E&S in Japan, is scheduled to run over the next four years, initially for 16 hours per day.

Paceco says a typical diesel-powered RTG crane emits the carbon dioxide equivalent to burning more than 400 barrels of oil per year, while the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane emits nothing while performing at the same efficiency as a conventional diesel-powered or hybrid RTG crane.

“By bringing the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane into operation, we are not just introducing new fuel technology for cranes but are leading the way for our industry to reduce emissions significantly,” says Troy Collard, general manager of sales at Paceco.

“We are excited that this crane is in operation here in Los Angeles and are thankful to our pilot partners for all of their support throughout the process.”

The fuel-cell power pack (FCPP), an efficient power system replacing a typical diesel genset, was designed and built by Mitsui E&S in Japan, with Toyota Tsusho providing hydrogen for this project.

The crane makers say the FCPP system allows modification of existing conventional diesel RTGs to achieve zero emissions.

“Yusen Terminals is proud to host this ground-breaking demonstration project from Paceco,” says McCorkle, Yusen Terminals’ chief executive officer.

“Bringing the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane into operation at our terminal is a critical step towards a zero-emissions terminal. This crane will help support the Port of LA’s ambitious sustainability goals, namely the Clean Air Action Plan, in reducing the emissions that affect overburdened communities near the port.”

Mitsui E&S says the use of hydrogen allows the cranes to produce zero emissions without connecting to the electric grid, enabling terminal operators to save on civil work investment and not impact current operating procedures.