The hydrogen test field at Hamburg port has gained an emission-free harbour vehicle: The new straddle carrier model by Konecranes is driven emission-free by a hydrogen fuel cell. The first practical tests have shown that the system reacts rapidly and handling performance is as good as the hybrid version’s. One of the vehicle’s special features is the modular drive system which can be flexibly adapted to various types of drive systems – hybrid, electric or hydrogen. The straddle carrier will be refuelled at the hydrogen refuelling station at the CTT. The processes are similar to the conventional ones and thus facilitate operational synergies. Training is also being developed in order to pass along knowledge in a targeted way and to ensure the building up of expertise over the long term.
As part of the Clean Port & Logistics cluster, the HHLA has joined forces with over 40 partner companies from around the world to bring hydrogen-operated heavy-duty vehicles and terminal equipment to market readiness in the short term and prepare the necessary measures for their launch. The concepts developed in working groups for operations, safety, maintenance, refuelling and supply will now be tested and optimised on the test field at the CTT. The collaboration under CPL helps companies to decarbonise their processes and to make sensible, climate-friendly investments by gathering the necessary information and practical experience.
The cluster and the refuelling station is being funded under the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) in the amount of around three million euros. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and is implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).
© Photo: HHLA/Vincent Wolff
