Kobe International Container Terminal (KICT), operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has announced it is to trial the operation of a hydrogen-fuelled rubber tyred gantry (RTG) crane converted from a diesel engine powered unit.
Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation claims that this cargo handling machine is the first in the world to convert a diesel engine generator to a hydrogen engine generator. The process to move from a diesel generator to hydrogen is outlined in the schematic provided by the companies involved in this project.
Partners in this project are Kobe-Osaka International Port, Shosen Koun Co., Ltd. Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. iLabo Co., Ltd. (hydrogen engine manufacturer), Iwatani Corporation (hydrogen supply, transport, and fuelling) and Universal Energy Laboratory Corporation (consultants).
The development of carbon neutral ports (CNPs) is high on the agenda in Japan, with the aim of upgrading different port functions to gain the benefits of decarbonisation benefits, while seeking to improve the environment through adoption of hydrogen and other clean fuel alternatives.
