Los Angeles, CA, May 15, 2024 – PACECO Corp., a global leader in the container handling machinery industry, today announced the commencement of commercial operations of the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) Crane at the Port of Los Angeles, setting a new standard for zero-emission port operations. The H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, developed in collaboration with MITSUI E&S, began operations at Yusen Terminals Inc. (YTI) on May 15, 2024, marking the first time a fully hydrogen powered RTG crane has gone into commercial operation in the world.

The introduction of the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane runs 100% on fuel-cell hydrogen technology, representing an unprecedented first for terminal operations, offering the ability to achieve zero emissions on large container cranes without connecting to the electric grid. The hydrogen fuel cell powered zero-emission rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane was developed by MITSUI E&S in collaboration with PACECO and built by MITSUI E&S in Japan. The fuel-cell power pack (FCPP), an efficient power system replacing a typical diesel genset, was designed and built by MITSUI E&S in Oita, Japan, with hydrogen being provided by Toyota Tsusho for this project. Modification of existing conventional diesel RTGs is possible to achieve zero emissions with the FCPP system.

A typical diesel-powered RTG crane emits the carbon dioxide equivalent of burning over 400 barrels of oil per year, while the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane emits nothing. This pilot project, scheduled to run over the next four years at Yusen Terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, demonstrates PACECO’s commitment to sustainable port logistics, aligning with global efforts to reduce port emissions while embracing zero-emission technology.

“By bringing the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane into operation, we are not just introducing new fuel technology for cranes but are leading the way for our industry to reduce emissions significantly,” said Troy Collard, general manager of sales at PACECO. “We are excited that this crane is in operation here in Los Angeles and are thankful to our pilot partners for all of their support throughout the process.”

Initially, the crane will operate for 16 hours per day and will perform at the same efficiency as a conventional diesel-powered or hybrid RTG crane. In addition to emissions reduction, the crane offers reducing noise pollution for port workers.

“The debut of the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane at the Port of Los Angeles marks a significant advancement in port technology,” said Takunari Minamizono, project manager at MITSUI E&S. “MITSUI E&S is proud to drive this innovation, showcasing hydrogen fuel cell capabilities and emphasizing our commitment to sustainability. We continue to lead in developing advanced technologies that both enhance the efficiency and environmental friendliness of port operations.”

PACECO’s pioneering initiative represents a significant step for the global maritime logistics industry’s sustainability efforts. PACECO is looking forward to showcasing the great financial and environmental impacts of this crane following the pilot and is eager to expand to further locations.

“YTI is proud to host this groundbreaking demonstration project from PACECO.” said Alan McCorkle, President & CEO at Yusen Terminals “Bringing the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane into operation at our terminal is a critical step towards a zero-emissions terminal. This crane will help support the Port of LA’s ambitious sustainability goals, namely the Clean Air Action Plan, in reducing the emissions that affect overburdened communities near the port.”

This project is partially subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as part of an overall project encompassing a demonstration of the hydrogen supply chain, from local production of clean hydrogen to the consumption point of port container handling equipment and drayage trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology.

For more information about the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, visit PACECO’s website at https://pacecocorp.com/h2-ze-rtg-crane/.

About PACECO Corp

Founded in 1958, PACECO CORP is a leading supplier in the container handling industry, renowned for the PORTAINER® and TRANSTAINER® cranes that are a hallmark of efficiency and reliability in ports globally. Based in Hayward, California, PACECO CORP, in partnership with Mitsui E&S Co., LTD, leads the industry in engineering innovative, sustainable solutions that significantly enhance port operations. With a legacy spanning over six decades, PACECO CORP has solidified its presence with more than 2500 container handling systems in over 200 ports worldwide.

La entrada PACECO and MITSUI E&S Debut World’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell se publicó primero en Paceco.

1MillionBot Marítimo

Virtual assistant for port operations automation by voice integrated in our POSEIDON TOS (Terminal Management System):

– Optimization of the user experience:
The operator does without the need to type commands on the cab display during the container movement process.

– Increased process efficiency:
Executes tasks by voice faster and saves up to 20% time during execution of the operation.

– Increased security in port operations:
The operator keeps his hands free and can focus 100% on port operations in a way that prevents errors and accidents.

– Flexibility in integration:
Compatibility with different port systems and tools, such as PACECO POSEIDON’s TOS (Terminal Management System). This enables end-to-end automation of terminal processes, taking into account the changing needs according to the objectives and development phases of the terminal.

La entrada AI applied to voice-driven container movement se publicó primero en Paceco.

This is the first application of the integration with Toyota Motor Corporation´s fuel cell and large high-pressure hydrogen fuel tanks in a non-automotive application worldwide. Development of the Zero-Emission (H2-ZE Transtainer® crane) shall be realized in 2023. Furthermore, the adaptation of FCPP to other applications is also under consideration.

Ichiro Tanaka, President and CEO of MES-M, said: “As the push for decarbonization intensifies, MES-M is aggressively investing in zero emission technologies to achieve the marine and port industry goal of decarbonization. The FCPP is a major milestone to achieve decarbonization.” MES-M is engaged in solving social issues through its advanced business activities across business units to create a decarbonized society. MES-M is further developing ammonia fuel marine engines and fuel supply equipment at our Tamano Works, an attractive next-generation fuel in the marine transport industry. Furthermore, in order to develop hydrogen fuel marine engine technologies, MES-M is constructing a hydrogen supply facility (liquified hydrogen storage tanks and hydrogen gas compressors) with a target completion date of June 2023.

MES-M will thus be contributing once more, by offering environmentally friendly products, to the advancement of decarbonization of the marine sector, including ships and port equipment.

La entrada Hydrogen Technologies: H2-ZE Zero-Emission Transtainer® Crane se publicó primero en Paceco.

ITS, a leader in implementing low emission technologies, has ordered 5 NZE Model (Near Zero Emission) Hybrid Transtainer® RTGs, the latest generation of Hybrid RTGs offered by PACECO. These cranes feature a Small Diesel-Generator to charge the Large Battery Bank, the main energy source of these RTGs. The NZE model RTG reduces the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 70% compared to conventional RTGs and has been designed to easily convert to a Zero Emission RTG by replacing the Diesel-Generator with a Fuel Cell Power Module, making the NZE Model RTG future proof with the ability to comply with Year 2030 Zero Emission goals set by the port of Los Angeles and port of Long Beach.

“Customers value the lower life cycle cost and reliable performance of PACECO-MITSUI cranes and this order reflects it” commented Soshi Sato, president of PACECO.

The cranes will be delivered from Mitsui E&S Machinery Co. Ltd. (Oita, Japan) in two shipments, to be put into operation early 2023.

La entrada The largest PACECO®-Mitsui PORTAINER® Cranes and most advanced low emission TRANSTAINER® Cranes se publicó primero en Paceco.

e-H2 RTG

We are working on a prototype of an RTG crane manufactured by PACECO, with an electricity generation system (HYCOGEN-HFCT), based on the innovative technology of a highly efficient ULPHE-PEM fuel cell, reducing its carbon footprint and zero emissions of CO2, GHG gases and polluting particles.

The existing RTG cranes are currently electrically powered by a 415 KVA diesel-generator set that burns diesel fuel to power the various electric motors that are part of the crane. The e-H2 RTG Project will allow us to replace the Diesel-Generator Set by two independent ULPHE-PEM fuel cell groups of 150 KW each, powered by Hydrogen stored in pressurized tanks. Each group will include buffer batteries to be able to respond instantaneously to peak power demands, which will be recharged from the battery itself. But, at the same time, taking advantage of the regenerative energy recovered during the operation of the crane when lowering the containers and during braking as it moves through the terminal.

The advantages of this type of installation are:

1) The two independent fuel cell groups will provide greater redundancy against system failures and great flexibility in crane operation.

2) High efficiency. ULPHE-PEM fuel cells achieve an efficiency of more than 60%, which is quite high compared to the efficiency obtained with current renewable energy sources and much higher than that obtained from combustion in diesel engines.

3) Very low range of noise pollution, as fuel cells have no moving parts and the installation produces hardly any noise.

4) Lower cost of the cells than those existing on the market due to the use of a very low quantity of Platinum as a catalyst, in accordance with a process patented by the Fluid Physics Laboratory of the UNED.

5) Batteries with less weight and volume than those currently existing, for the same power output.

6) Low emission of pollutants during operation and zero emission of CO2 into the atmosphere: the reaction that takes place in the fuel cell produces electricity, heat and water, with the generation of water being the main waste of a polymer fuel cell.

La entrada e-H2 Port Machinery se publicó primero en Paceco.

The e-H2 RTG project comprises the design, validation and demonstration in a Spanish terminal of a pre-commercial prototype RTG crane, manufactured by PACECO, with an electrical generation system (HYCOGEN-HFCT), based on the innovative ULPHE – PEM fuel cell technology developed by JALVASUB Engineering which, in turn, supplies the Ministry of Defense, in a joint venture with the CIDAUT Foundation, in its MEDUSA project for the S-80 Submarine.

RTG cranes are one of the main producers of CO2 emissions in container terminals, as well as being important energy consumers. For this reason, PACECO MOMENTUM and JALVASUB Engineering have joined forces to invest joint efforts in R+D+i with the aim of introducing the disruptive high-efficiency ULPHE – PEM fuel cell technology in the cargo handling sector.

The common goal is that, for the first time, RTG-Transtainer® cranes will be powered in a totally environmentally friendly way and with zero CO2, GHG and particulate pollutant emissions. Power generation based on renewable hydrogen is more efficient, cleaner, does not generate polluting emissions into the atmosphere, benefits from a green fuel that is essential for the decarbonization of ports and, in addition, generates a dramatic reduction in noise pollution.

The implementation of this project will lay the foundations for the implementation of a green culture based on H2 in container terminals. This would mean nothing less than the elimination of a substantial part of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The aim is to position Spain as a benchmark for this green technology at European and world level and to contribute to the development of the implementation of hydrogen in society. In addition, work is already underway on a further development to use ammonia as fuel.

La entrada e-H2 RTG: retrofit for Hydrogen Technologies se publicó primero en Paceco.