PSA Antwerp trials hydrogen-powered tractor in green energy bid

The tractor has a carrying capacity of up to 36 tonnes, will be deployed to move containers in the terminal.

The test, which will last two weeks, is part of the Hydrolog project, a demonstrator set up by the Flanders Institute for Logistics (VIL) to map out possible types of internal hydrogen transport vehicles for the industry.

“At PSA Antwerp, we believe in the potential of hydrogen as a green energy carrier,” the terminal said.

PSA Antwerp’s carbon emissions are produced mainly from diesel-operated equipment such as straddle carriers, terminal tractors and other terminal vehicles.

The experience gained from this trial will also be put towards other pilots to achieve further terminal decarbonisation. For example, in its Green Straddle Carrier Programme, PSA Antwerp will be setting up a proof of concept with technology partner CMB.TECH to convert diesel engines to dual-fuel (H2-diesel) on straddle carriers.

The European Horizon 2020 Green Deal Call awarded the Programme a grant early May , as part of the PIONEERS consortium (PORTable Innovation Open Network For Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions) will allow PSA Antwerp to carry out two more demonstrator projects: exploring the injection of up to 90% of hydrogen into the straddle carrier’s combustion engine; and testing the performance of a straddle carrier equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell.

Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.