Noatum to test electric tractors

The European Union TEN-T Smart, Energy Efficient and Adaptive Port Terminals (SEA TERMINALS) project aims to boost the evolution of the port industry towards a progressive and effective low-carbon emission operative model, integrating smart and energy-efficient technologies through innovative business and energy-efficient solutions.

Led by the Fundación Valenciaport, the project will involve the Port Authority of Valencia and Spanish ports operator, Noatum, and will also test a new design of reach stacker and container handler developed by Hyster (NACCO Materials Handling Group).

Developed by Dutch engineering firm Terberg, the electric tractors feature an energy transmission and storage system, with lithium iron phosphate batteries as well as a hydraulics system and 24 volt mains connection for recharging the tractor. Terberg says the electric vehicle prototype has zero local emissions of carbon and greenhouse gases, in contrast to traditional terminal tractors that run on diesel engines. Other notable features include the ability to operate in enclosed installations and low noise pollution, as well as sufficient autonomy for eight hour shifts thanks to the design of its battery pack.

In addition, a real-time dynamic lighting system (SEA-Lighting) and a Smart, Energy-Efficient and Adaptive Management Platform (SEAMS) system will be also be tested, that minimises bottlenecks in the operation of the terminals by assigning different operating modes like Eco, turbo and stand-by.

The new system is expected to significantly reduce the current energy consumption at the container terminal. According to the European Union, a piloted crane could potentially use up to 50% less fuel than a standard full diesel crane, and the dynamic lighting could reduce energy consumption by 30%.

Testing is due to begin this September and run for three months.