Corvus batteries order for hybrid port cranes

The contract to supply Corvus Orca Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for 25 new battery-hybrid Rubber Tyre Gantry (RTG) cranes is with CCCC Shanghai Equipment Engineering (CCCCSEE) and ZPMC. The battery-hybrid RTG cranes will be deployed by the South Carolina Port Authority (SCPA) and are expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 65% compared to conventional diesel electric port cranes.

“Corvus Energy has definitely shifted the economics and viability of converting diesel port equipment to battery-hybrid electric with their Orca Energy system,” said Gao Jianzhong, chief engineer at CCCCSEE.

65% fuel savings

CCCCSEE will fit two sets of Corvus battery-based ESSs onto each of 25 RTG cranes manufactured by ZPMC.

The hybrid cranes can be powered primarily by the Corvus batteries, resulting in the estimated 65% fuel savings and reduced operating costs, as well as lower GHG and particulate emissions and noise levels, along with enhanced crane performance and reliability.

System efficiency can also be enhanced to 96% by channelling regenerative energy back to the battery during container lowering operations, said Corvus.

“The design and performance of Corvus Orca ESS supports an RTG crane’s aggressive load profiles with a significant reduction in costs,” said Pradeep Datar, VP sales Asia at Corvus Energy. He added: “With this order, over 90 RTG cranes will be using a Corvus Energy ESS.”