Placing the onus on hybrid port equipment

This is the fourth of five total deliveries that the port will receive this year, as the port moves closer towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to sustainable growth and our leadership in the maritime industry’s shift toward greener equipment,” said Roger Guenther, executive director at Port Houston.

“As we integrate advanced technology into our operations alongside our dedicated staff, stevedores, and ILA labor, we are not only improving efficiency but also contributing to a healthier environment for our community.”

Carbon reduction

These hybrid models will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution and fuel consumption. When compared to diesel models, these RTG cranes reduce NOx, PM, HC, and CO emissions by 90%. 

Mr Guenther said that by incorporating advanced hybrid technology, these RTG cranes deliver the operational efficiency and versatility of supplied battery power, coupled with the dependable performance of diesel, all while significantly reducing environmental footprint.

An additional batch of RTGs is expected to arrive by the fourth quarter of this year. By the end of this year, 57 out of a total 147 RTG cranes across both container terminals will be hybrid-electric.

The port has acquired 26 new RTGs since December 2023 which have been deployed across its Barbours Cut and Bayport Container Terminals.