Hyster has developed and shipped a hydrogen fuel cell Reachstacker to the Port of Valencia in Spain. The ReachStacker is part of the H2Ports project, which aims to introduce hydrogen-powered vehicles and equipment in port operations.

This Hyster ReachStacker is an innovative zero-emission solution that uses a Nuvera fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity. The hydrogen is stored on-board in high-pressure tanks and can be refilled in 10-15 minutes. The on-board hydrogen fuel cell charges the batteries, which power the electric motors and hydraulic systems enabling the ReachStacker to lift laden containers with similar performance to a diesel alternative.

Thanks to its Nuvera Fuel Cell Engine, the hydrogen fuel cell ReachStacker offers several advantages over its conventional diesel-powered machines. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution and operating costs thanks to the elimination of the diesel engine, transmission and other mechanically-driven components. 

The Hyster ReachStacker will be tested and validated in live operation at the MSC terminal in Valencia, one of the largest container terminals in Europe. The H2Ports project, funded by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU) and coordinated by the Fundación Valenciaport, involves several partners from the port community, industry and academia.

Jan-Willem van den Brand, Director Global Market Development at Hyster, said: “We are proud to be part of the H2Ports project and to contribute to the development of zero-emission solutions for port operations. The hydrogen fuel cell ReachStacker is a breakthrough innovation that demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction. We look forward to seeing it in action at the Port of Valencia and to receiving valuable feedback from the end-users.”