In the push to make ports cleaner, more efficient and future-ready, Canadian cleantech firm dynaCERT is gaining attention for a deceptively simple innovation: A hydrogen-based technology designed to reduce carbon emissions on diesel engines. <\/p>\n
In an exclusive interview with GreenPort,<\/em> Kevin Unrath, chief operating officer and Bernd Kr\u00fcper, president and director of dynaCERT, share how the company\u2019s HydraGEN technology is delivering immediate, measurable results for port operators – without waiting for large-scale fuel infrastructure or costly fleet overhauls. <\/p>\n From startup to testbed <\/strong><\/p>\n Mr Unrath says that although it\u2019s more than two decades old, dynaCERT sees itself as a \u201cpost-startup\u201d company retaining the agility of a \u201dyoung company while experiencing new feedback regarding the technology out of new market segments in demanding environments worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n The company is headquartered in Toronto, but its applications reach across global industries, from mining and oil and gas to long-distance trucking and now ports and terminals. <\/p>\n Originally, the goal for the company was straightforward: Save fuel. <\/p>\n \u201cEmission reduction was more of a side effect,\u201d Mr Unrath notes. But as global priorities shifted, \u201cemission reduction and sustainability became much more important. Today we focus on three impacts: Significant fuel reduction, significant emission reduction and working with organisations on carbon credit solutions.\u201d <\/p>\n Mr Kr\u00fcper adds that over the years the company has strengthened its early expertise beyond cell chemistry and hydrogen production to include specialists in combustion and powertrain applications. <\/p>\n \u201cWith Kevin and myself and also Dr Ingo Wintruff, a combustion engine specialist with aPhD in thermodynamics, we can look optimise the interaction between the hydrogen unit, the engine and the application as a complete system for our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n The HydraGEN unit <\/strong><\/p>\n At the heart of dynaCERT\u2019s approach is the HydraGEN onboard electrolysis unit that generates the ideal small amount of hydrogen and oxygen from distilled water. <\/p>\n This gas mixture is fed into the engine\u2019s air intake, between the air filter and turbocharger. The result is more complete combustion from the engine, delivering more power and longer distance from the same amount of fuel while producing fewer pollutants. <\/p>\n A unique selling point, Mr Unrath stresses, is that HydraGEN eliminates the need to transport or store hydrogen because it is made as a by-product of electrolysis. <\/p>\n \u201cWe are creating the hydrogen and oxygen onboard the application. The hydrogen reactor produces it on demand – this is really the game changer. We don\u2019t have to store high volumes and we\u2019re not dependent on external hydrogen supply networks.\u201d <\/p>\n Mr Kr\u00fcper points out that the idea is not to produce a high volume of hydrogen. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about producing an optimised small amount that will give the best combustion improvement. That\u2019s what has the biggest impact,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n Scalability advantage <\/strong><\/p>\n Another strength of the HydraGEN system is its scalability \u2013 each piece of equipment can be fitted up with the equipment as needed. <\/p>\n \u201cThe system is attractive for both small and larger ports,\u201d Mr Unrath explains. <\/p>\n \u201cWe can start with forklifts or cranes at a small terminal, then scale from one truck to a hundred trucks, or from one crane to a hundred cranes in a larger port.\u201d <\/p>\n The retrofit process is straight forward and it takes just two to three hours per unit. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fixing and mounting the unit, connecting the gas output to the air intake and wiring to the alternator for power,\u201d Mr Unrath outlines. <\/p>\n \u201cIn ports, we sometimes do custom mounting, but good preparation keeps each installation quick and simple.\u201d <\/p>\n This is key of course for operators, where downtime needs to be kept to a minimum. <\/p>\n \u201cYou can install it during routine service or over a weekend,\u201d Mr Kr\u00fcper says.<\/p>\n He also emphasises that HydraGEN is equally suited to both stationary and mobile equipment. <\/p>\n \u201cIt works more or less equally on any application, whether this is cranes, generators, or mobile yard trucks.\u201d <\/p>\n Real-world testing <\/strong><\/p>\n One of HydraGEN\u2019s most notable port deployments to date is in Charente in France. <\/p>\n At the Port of Rochefort-Tonnay-Charente, the technology has been trialled on a harbour crane. <\/p>\n According to Mr Unrath, the decision to proceed with permanent installation came only after a rigorous test period. <\/p>\n He explains that for a newly installed HG1 unit operators normally see a fuel reduction potential of five to eight percent. <\/p>\n Although exact figures are under a NDA, Mr Unrath confirms that subsequent emissions savings are significant. <\/p>\n \u201cCO\u2082 and particulate matter are reduced in every case. NOx reduction depends on the application and the concrete power point in the duty curve, but adding hydrogen and oxygen makes combustion faster and more complete, influencing these emissions as well.\u201d <\/p>\n Mr Kr\u00fcper adds that reducing particulates also means less wear on after-treatment systems – less regeneration and better catalyst life. And for ports, that means not only cleaner air but lower maintenance costs. <\/p>\n Efficiency and carbon savings <\/strong><\/p>\n HydraGEN addresses two urgent port priorities simultaneously – operational cost control and environmental responsibility. <\/p>\n More efficient combustion translates directly into reduced fuel bills. \u201cEvery drop saved counts,\u201d Mr Unrath says. \u201cWith fuel prices where they are, the return on investment is hard to ignore.\u201d <\/p>\n In addition, by integrating the system with dynaCERT\u2019s HydraLytica Telematics platform, operators can monitor baseline and post-installation performance, track fuel savings in real time and generate verifiable carbon credits. <\/p>\n \u201cThe bigger the fleet, the more interesting carbon credits become,\u201d Mr Unrath notes. <\/p>\n Mr Kr\u00fcper sees a wider strategic role for HydraGEN in this area. <\/p>\n \u201cPorts face increasing responsibility for their supply chains. It\u2019s not just about the cranes on the quayside, it\u2019s also the trucks coming in and out, the generators, the reefer containers. This is technology that can touch every part of the chain.\u201d <\/p>\n In ports, where heavy-duty diesel engines often operate close to population centres, cleaner combustion of course delivers tangible local benefits. <\/p>\n \u201cWe reduce CO\u2082 significantly and we reduce particulate matter significantly, every time. With NOx, the impact varies, but we see positive results there also quite regularly,\u201d says Mr Kr\u00fcper.<\/p>\n Cleaner operation also has other knock-on effects. \u201cWith less particulate matter, you have less dust and soot in the engine and after-treatment system,\u201d Mr Unrath explains. \u201cThat means less maintenance, fewer filter changes and less downtime.\u201d <\/p>\n A transitional retrofit <\/strong><\/p>\n Mr Kr\u00fcper is very clear about where HydraGEN fits in the energy transition. <\/p>\n \u201cWe are not a zero-emission product, but we are an emission-reducing solution. Zero emission will often take years or decades, if it happens at all in some sectors. With HydraGEN, you can retrofit in a few hours and start saving fuel and emissions immediately.\u201d <\/p>\n This \u201cbridging technology\u201d approach is appealing to operators uncertain about the pace and direction of electrification or alternative fuels. <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to hedge your bets,\u201d Mr Kr\u00fcper adds. \u201cYou can improve what you have now while planning for the future.\u201d <\/p>\n Mr Unrath underscores the importance of readiness: \u201cOur technology is available now. You don\u2019t need to wait for infrastructure changes or equipment replacement cycles. You can start saving tomorrow.\u201d <\/p>\n From cranes to tugboats <\/strong><\/p>\n Now here\u2019s where things get even more exciting. <\/p>\n While ports are a growing focus for dynaCERT, HydraGEN\u2019s applications extend beyond quay cranes and yard equipment. It works on trucks visiting the port, reefer generators and even some types of inland waterway vessels and tugboats. <\/p>\n In fact, trials in tugboats and other harbour craft have been promising, though offshore deployment will require maritime certification. <\/p>\n \u201cWe have test installations on smaller boats,\u201d Mr Unrath confirms. \u201cFor larger vessels using bunker fuel, we don\u2019t have a unit today, but technically in future, it\u2019s possible.\u201d <\/p>\n The conversation is changing. As sustainability rises on the port agenda, Mr Unrath and Mr Kr\u00fcper say they are seeing shifts in purchasing decisions. <\/p>\n \u201cIn the past, you convinced engineers by having a technically superior product, then procurement stepped in and tried to cut costs,\u201d Mr Kr\u00fcper recalls. \u201cNow, sustainability is part of the decision process. It\u2019s not always just about price.\u201d <\/p>\n That change aligns with HydraGEN\u2019s strengths: Measurable operational savings, quantifiable emissions reductions and quick deployment. <\/p>\n The road ahead <\/strong><\/p>\n From the single-crane trial in Charente to multi-equipment retrofits across continents, HydraGEN is demonstrating that the path to cleaner, more efficient port operations doesn\u2019t have to wait for tomorrow\u2019s fuel infrastructure. <\/p>\n Mr Kr\u00fcper sums up the technology\u2019s appeal to operators perfectly. \u201cEqually whether you are a small or large port, HydraGEN works for you. It\u2019s easy to install, it uses your existing fleet and it starts delivering benefits for the operator\u2019s wallet and the environment immediately.\u201d <\/p>\n For ports navigating the complex demands of cost efficiency, sustainability and reliability, dynaCERT\u2019s HydraGEN is proving that sometimes, the smartest way forward is to improve the engines you already have – one retrofit at a time. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In the push to make ports cleaner, more efficient and future-ready, Canadian cleantech firm dynaCERT is gaining attention for a deceptively simple innovation: A hydrogen-based technology designed to reduce carbon emissions on diesel engines.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5640,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1376,22],"tags":[40,2203,1244,2202,10,23],"sponsor":[],"class_list":["post-5639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-greenport-exclusive","category-products-services-greenport","tag-alternative-fuels","tag-dynacert","tag-emissions-reduction","tag-hydragen","tag-hydrogen","tag-port-equipment"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5639"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5639\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5641,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5639\/revisions\/5641"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5640"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5639"},{"taxonomy":"sponsor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.portstrategy.com\/greenport\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sponsor?post=5639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}