DP World's Successful Test of Hydrogen-Powered Crane at Port of Vancouver
Key Ideas
  • DP World successfully tested a hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver, aiming to decarbonize port operations.
  • RTG cranes traditionally powered by diesel contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions; the adoption of hydrogen technology promises to reduce or eliminate this impact.
  • The pilot project involves retrofitting a diesel RTG with a Hydrogen-Electric Generator and other components for a one-year field trial to compare performance parameters with traditional RTGs.
  • Real-world testing of the hydrogen-powered RTG crane aims to assess productivity, reliability, maintainability, costs, and environmental benefits for potential global fleet electrification.
DP World has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to decarbonize port operations by successfully testing a hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver. This marks a crucial step in DP World's commitment to sustainability and sets a new benchmark for green logistics in the industry. The RTG cranes at DP World's Vancouver terminal, which traditionally run on diesel, are responsible for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the importance of transitioning to cleaner technologies like hydrogen. The pilot project, launched in October 2023, involves retrofitting a diesel RTG with a comprehensive hydrogen-electric solution for a one-year field trial. Collaborating with partners like TYCROP Manufacturing Ltd., H2 Portable, and HTEC, DP World aims to evaluate the performance, energy consumption, and environmental impact of the hydrogen-powered RTG crane compared to traditional diesel-powered ones. By storing and utilizing compressed gaseous hydrogen to power the crane's electric drive through a fuel cell system, the bidirectional power setup enhances operational efficiency by recovering energy during container lowering. Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, emphasizes the company's dedication to sustainable practices and the potential for global fleet electrification based on the outcomes of this innovative pilot project. The data collected during the field trial will be crucial in determining the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to hydrogen technology on a larger scale in port operations.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.