Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) has announced a partnership with Mitsui E&S Machinery to study the introduction of hydrogen-fuelled cargo handling equipment into ports.
MOL group company Shosen Koun Co., Ltd will introduce a near zero-emission rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) container yard crane to the MOL-operated Kobe International Container Terminal (KICT).
The crane will be developed by Mitsui E&S Machinery.
MOL expects the smaller diesel engine size will improve fuel consumption by 20-30%, reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality.
Shosen Koun has decided to introduce the RTG because its engine specifications allow transfer to a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell power unit as opposed to the diesel generator.
The unit will be introduced to KICT by the end of May 2022, making KICT the first facility in japan to adopt the near-zero emission RTG.
The introduction of the unit aligns with the Carbon Neutral Port initiative of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism aimed at achieving decarbonisation in ports and maritime.
Hydrogen-powered cargo handling equipment is becoming more prevalent in ports around the world. A hydrogen Reach Stacker is in development at Hyster as part of the H2PORTS project for the Port of Valencia.
