INNOVATIVE green technology is now in everyday use at the Port of Tilbury where a new hydrogen fuel cell- powered container handler is now in operation.

It is the first to be deployed and fully operational in a real-world port application within the United Kingdom.

Speaking today (Thursday, 17 September), David Housden, Head of Engineering and Procurement at the port, said: "Today is an important milestone in the history of the Port of Tilbury as we welcome the UK's first hydrogen fuel cell ReachStacker into our busy container operations.

"Working in collaboration with our project partners Hyster and Briggs Equipment over the past two years, we are now delivering 100% green hydrogen-powered heavy lifting capability for our customers."

The Hyster ReachStacker is powered by a Nuvera 60kW fuel cell engine that convert hydrogen into electricity to support a 130kWh lithium-ion battery and is expected to help the Port of Tilbury demonstrate a lower CO2 emissions footprint by more than 107,000 kilograms or 79,600 pounds of CO2 per year.

"While eliminating tailpipe emissions has been the core driver of this pioneering collaboration, it was also critical to develop a solution that was up to the job and delivers performance and toughness comparable to an ICE-powered machine," says Lucien Robroek, President of Global Big Trucks, Hyster.

"We are looking forward to seeing the HFC-powered ReachStacker in action, tackling intense duty cycles and helping demonstrate how hydrogen fuel cell technology can support the future of high-intensity port operations while advancing the Port of Tilbury's energy transition goals."

Mike Parkin, Ports and Big Truck Director of Briggs Equipment UK, which supplied and will maintain the ReachStacker, said: "We are thrilled to be part of this milestone. Briggs has a strong, long-standing partnership with the Port of Tilbury, and we are proud to support their move toward a lower-carbon future.

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"This innovative hydrogen project shows what is possible when sustainability and innovation combine, setting an industry benchmark and advancing efforts to cut CO2 emissions and transition to cleaner operations."

Earlier this year the Port of Tilbury hosted a major event that could prove pivotal to the future of green energy in commercial settings. Iy introduced and demonstrated hydrogen projects and activities being developed and underway in and around the port.