The Port of Valencia has hosted the final H2PORTS conference, highlighting pioneering tests of hydrogen-powered port machinery, including a ReachStacker, a 4×4 tractor unit, and a mobile refuelling station.
The event brought together over 150 participants and 30 speakers, including Mar Chao, President of the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV), and Valerie Bouillon-Delporte, Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
Attendees saw the Hyster-Yale ReachStacker prototype in operation at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Terminal Valencia, capable of matching diesel performance while running emission-free for a full shift or more.
READ: Port of Valencia runs on 18 per cent solar energy
The world’s first hydrogen-powered port tractor, converted from diesel with hybrid fuel-cell and battery technology, was also on display at Valencia Terminal Europa.
Both vehicles demonstrated that hydrogen can be integrated into high-demand port operations without compromising efficiency, safety, or operator comfort.
A mobile hydrogen refuelling station, designed by the National Hydrogen Centre and operated by Carburos Metálicos, supports both vehicles with fast, flexible refuelling at high pressure, proving the concept’s scalability for other ports.
READ: Port of Valencia names US and China as top trading partners
Mar Chao said: “This project reaffirms our commitment to decarbonisation. We envision a port that is not only a key logistics hub, but also a driver of innovation, a living laboratory to accelerate the energy transition and lead the shift towards a low-carbon economy.”
Valerie Bouillon-Delporte added: “H2PORTS demonstrates that ports can become catalysts for clean mobility, industrial transition and new energy value chains setting a benchmark for ports across Europe.”
Coordinated by Fundación Valenciaport and funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, H2PORTS represents a €4 million ($4.6 million) initiative involving multiple industry partners.
