Stockholm to pilot hydrogen-diesel Ro-Ro tractors

The first pilot Ro-Ro tractor is due to be delivered to Stockholm Norvik Port in 2023 with Volve Penta D8 engines modified by CMB.TECH with a hydrogen system. CMB.TECH and Ports of Stockholm have a wide-ranging agreement at Norvik to invest in hydrogen technologies, including a hydrogen fuelling station adjacent to the port and the conversion of port vehicles to hydrogen fuel.

The port is working towards its 2030 target of fossil-fuel-free operations.

The partners said that hydrogen-diesel technology allows for the possibilities of green hydrogen decarbonisation while maintaining the ability to operate on traditional fuels as infrastructure develops.

David Hamilton, Director Industrial sales Volvo Penta, said: “We are at a point where the rapid development in hydrogen powertrains is meeting the exploratory demand in industrial applications as part of the industry’s’ journeys to decarbonize.” 

“The provision of this hydrogen dual-fuel solution is aimed at appealing to operators and fleet owners transitioning to zero-emissions machines.”

Johan Wallén, Chief Commercial Officer at Ports of Stockholm, said: “Hydrogen fuel will play a decisive role in the transition to fossil-free transport, both on land and at sea. We are therefore incredibly excited about the partnership with Volvo Penta and CMB.TECH. Together we can put into operation some of the first Ro-Ro tractors in the world that run on hydrogen fuel.” 

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Roy Campe, Chief Technology Officer at CMB.TECH, said: “We’re excited to be supporting Ports of Stockholm with both knowledge and experience in their transition to hydrogen fuels. It provides completely new opportunities to further develop Stockholm Norvik Port as the climate-smart port it already is.”