Developed by Terberg in collaboration with zepp.solutions, a tech scale-up that specializes in hydrogen fuel cell systems for various applications, the YT203-H2 hydrogen tractor is now in operation at United Waalhaven Terminals in the Port of Rotterdam. It is designed to provide the same or more tractive power than diesel powered terminal tractors, but with zero emission and without the noise of combustion engines.
“Our ultimate goal is to offer excellent performance for heavy duty applications combined with favourable TCO,” said Rob van Hove, managing director at Terberg Benschop. “And we want to support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals. Our strategy is focused on providing flexibility to our customers, so they can adapt to their changing market environment.”
Heavy-duty applications
The YT203-H2 hydrogen terminal tractor is based on the recently introduced fully electric YT203-EV. The energy is stored in the form of hydrogen, enabling quick refuelling. The YT203-H2 is equipped with four 150-litre hydrogen fuel tanks containing 14.4kg hydrogen. This is suitable for a full day operation in heavy-duty applications. The tractor will work amongst conventional diesel terminal tractors, pulling the same loads, while being remotely monitored to collect a wide range of data.
To learn more about the performance, behaviour, and reliability of the tractor it will be tested at multiple customer sites in different countries. After that, the design will be finalised.
The project is being supported by the DKTI-Transport regulation of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.