FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Yusen Terminals is proud to announce that they will be testing the world’s first zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane in a 4-year program at their container terminal in the Port of Los Angeles. Yusen Terminals was selected to test the H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, developed by PACECO Corp. in collaboration with MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd., as part of their commitment to the zero-emission future of the world’s ports.
RTG cranes are an important part of marine terminal operations, used to move or stack fully loaded containers, either for unloading inbound ships or for pick-up by drayage trucks. They are among the largest rolling structures, standing six stories high with a span of 80 feet and the ability to stack containers as many as six high. Yusen Terminal’s Port of Los Angeles facility currently has 14 PACECO Mitsui Transtainer RTGs in operation, all powered by diesel generator systems. While some electrified RTGs have been tested, this pilot program will be the first test of a hydrogen-powered RTG, using fuel cell technology currently found in FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicles). Hydrogen Fuel Cells produce electricity to charge the battery that powers vehicles and equipment, with clean water vapor as the only by-product of the process.
The benefits of the move to Hydrogen RTGs are very clear. They will play a vital part in reducing port emissions and delivering on the port industry’s commitment to air quality. In addition, the Hydrogen RTGs reduce noise pollution around the Ports, an important benefit for surrounding neighborhoods. As important as this RTG test is, Yusen Terminals is in development to convert a significant amount of their cargo-handling equipment to ZE in 2024. The 2017 Clear Air Action Plan, a collaboration between the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, sets an ambitious goal of having all terminal equipment at zero-emissions by 2030. Yusen is on track to reach those goals, with more announcements coming soon.
“Getting to zero-emissions at Yusen Terminals is one of the most important goals we have. That’s why this Hydrogen RTG program means so much to us. We all have to speed the development of these ZE container handling equipment and all the other means to reach the zero-emissions target, most of which are not yet on the market. So we are not waiting for the future, we’re helping build it,” said Alan McCorkle, President and CEO of Yusen Terminals.
“I applaud Yusen Terminals for this groundbreaking project to bring hydrogen-powered, human-operated RTGs onto our docks,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “It is this kind of innovative leadership and commitment that will bring us another step closer toward a zero-emission future.”
This program is partially subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The funds were awarded to Toyota Tsusho Corporation, the trading, investing, and business development company of the Toyota Group, and California-based PACECO Corp., and Japan-based MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of container handling machines for cargo terminals. As part of this pilot project, Yusen Terminals will be the first terminal in the world to test a hydrogen-powered Transtainer RTG.
About Yusen Terminals
Yusen Terminals, established in 1991, is a fully integrated marine terminal operating in the Port of Los Angeles. Yusen services several global shipping lines in addition to supporting both mainline railroads and the local drayage community to serve beneficial cargo owners shipping through the Southern California region.
Press contact:
Fran Ohlheiser
Director Communications | Yusen Terminals
701 New Dock St. Terminal Island, CA 90731
Office: 310-548-8229| Mobile: 562-577-2732
Email: fohlheiser@yti.com | URL: www.yti.com
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