DP World advances its hydrogen-powered RTG testing

A major step has been taken by DP World toward decarbonizing its port operations with the successful initial testing of a hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver in British Columbia. This first phase involved retrofitting a diesel RTG with a Hydrogen-Electric Generator (HEG), battery storage, hydrogen module, regenerative energy capture, and integrated safety systems.

For the second phase of testing, the company is conducting a one-year trial under field conditions to evaluate the technology’s reliability and suitability for daily operations. If results are good, 25 diesel cranes at DP World’s Vancouver and Prince Rupert terminals could be retrofitted.

The hydrogen-powered crane, which was piloted in partnership with TYCROP Manufacturing, H2 Portable, and HTEC in 2023, marks a key step in DP World's sustainability path as the logistics company assesses the feasibility of electrifying its global fleet of 1,500 RTG cranes. DP World is also preparing to test an electric tractor for terminal operations at the Port of Vancouver, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable port logistics.