DP World has launched North America’s first hydrogen-powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver, a major step in the company’s push to cut emissions across its global operations. The RTG crane, retrofitted with a hydrogen-electric power system, is currently undergoing a year-long field trial to measure its performance, reliability, and environmental benefits.

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RTG cranes are essential to container handling, but they typically run on diesel and contribute heavily to port emissions. At DP World’s Vancouver terminal, 19 RTGs account for 50% of diesel use and generate over 4,200 tonnes of CO2 each year.

“As one of the world’s foremost port and terminal operators, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable practices that will drive industry-wide change,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada. “This pilot not only marks an important step in DP World’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations, but it also sets a new benchmark in sustainable logistics.”

The hydrogen-powered crane integrates a Hydrogen-Electric Generator (HEG), battery energy storage, hydrogen tanks, and regenerative braking. During factory testing, the crane operated continuously for 16 hours, lifting a 40-ton load 105 times and emitting only steam.

“During factory acceptance testing, the system ran continuously… and emitted only steam, rather than 400 kilograms of CO2 from a comparable diesel unit,” said Scott Mason, President and CEO of TYCROP Manufacturing, which helped design the system alongside H2 Portable and HTEC.

The RTG stores up to 135 kg of compressed hydrogen in 15 tanks, which feeds a dual fuel cell system to charge the crane’s batteries. The bidirectional power system also recovers energy while lowering containers, improving efficiency.

If successful, DP World may retrofit 25 more RTGs in Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The company is also planning a trial of an electric terminal tractor at the same site.