Posted on September 18, 2023
Manufacturing and engineering firm TYCROP and Loop Energy has been selected to provide hydrogen-electric solutions to decarbonise a rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) at the Port of Vancouver, Canada.
The crane, owned by DP World, will be fitted with a TYCROP dual fuel system powered by two Loop Energy T505 fuel cell systems, allowing it to run on hydrogen while in operation at the Canadian port.
With the pilot expected to begin in Q2 2024, the retrofitted crane will run on hydrogen supplied by HTEC.
DP World operates 1,500 RTGs globally, accounting for as much as 50% of its shore-segment emissions. The logistics firm plans to cut its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by nearly 700,000 tonnes over the next five years.
“Decarbonisation is a core focus for DP World, and we are proud to work with our local partners to deliver an innovative made in BC solution to reduce CO2 emissions from our Vancouver terminal operations,” said Joel Werner, General Manager – Vancouver at DP World.
It’s not the first time that Loop Energy fuel cells have been planned to be used in port-side operations. In February (2023), Wiggins Lift Co. selected the firm’s tech to power its new hydrogen-powered eBull forklift truck.
“Loop Energy is thrilled to see our fuel cells in use with a global logistics leader like DP World and working alongside leading industry partners to launch this first-of-its-kind project at the Port of Vancouver,” said Ben Nyland, President and CEO of Loop Energy. “We believe hydrogen fuel cells are critical to enabling the decarbonisation or large material handling equipment like RTGs, and we look forward to the successful completion of this pilot to showcase its viability.”
Coming in support of the project, Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, said, “British Columbians want a cleaner, climate friendly future, and we know that hydrogen is going to help us get there. Our vision is to build a low-carbon future that supports key sectors like commercial transportation while mitigating the impacts of climate change and meeting our greenhouse gas reduction targets.”
