It is the first hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) powered container handler to be deployed and fully operational in a real-world port application within the United Kingdom.
“Today is an important milestone in the history of the Port of Tilbury as we welcome the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell ReachStacker into our busy container operations” said David Housden, Head of Engineering & Procurement, at the Port of Tilbury. “Working in collaboration with our project partners, Hyster and Briggs Equipment over the past two years, we are now delivering 100 percent green hydrogen-powered heavy lifting capability for our customers.”
Building on insights from previous pilot programmes, including the HFC ReachStacker pilot from Valencia that concluded last year, Hyster and Nuvera have optimised the fuel cell system, also ensuring it is sized appropriately. It is powered by a Nuvera 60kW fuel cell engine that converts hydrogen into electricity to support a 130kWh lithium-ion battery and incorporates standardised Hyster software architecture used across other Hyster electric products.
The innovative Hyster ReachStacker is expected to help Port of Tilbury demonstrate a lower CO2 emissions footprint by more than 107,000kg/79,600lbs CO2/year. The Port of Tilbury is part of the Forth Ports Group, which is working towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2042.
“While eliminating tailpipe emissions has been the core driver of this pioneering collaboration, it was also critical to develop a solution that was up to the job and delivers performance and toughness comparable to an ICE-powered machine” added Lucien Robroek, President of Global Big Trucks, Hyster. “We are looking forward to seeing the HFC-powered ReachStacker in action, tackling intense duty cycles and helping demonstrate how hydrogen fuel cell technology can support the future of high-intensity port operations, while advancing the Port of Tilbury’s energy transition goals.”
High-pressure tanks will store 32kg of hydrogen on board, helping deliver long run times and operational productivity across a full 12-hour shift. The HFC ReachStacker can be refuelled in less than 30 minutes and will operate entirely on green hydrogen, produced with an electrolyser from GeoPura. Together, these capabilities will help demonstrate the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology to support demanding port operations while advancing sustainability objectives.
“This pre-production trial marks a landmark moment for our business as we introduce leading alternative clean energy solutions into our port operations” added Mr Housden. “The project is supported by on-site green hydrogen production, supply, and refuelling infrastructure from GeoPura and the ReachStacker demonstrates our commitment to decarbonising our operations and our transition to more sustainable port logistics.”
As a trusted Briggs Equipment customer for many years, the Port of Tilbury will benefit from the same high level of dealer support it receives across its existing Hyster fleet. Briggs Equipment will provide front-line service and maintenance support for ReachStacker, while Hyster's Hypercare program delivers enhanced factory backing for this innovative application.
Hyster experts will work closely with Briggs and the Port of Tilbury to support the hydrogen fuel cell and high-voltage systems, providing specialist technical expertise and on-site assistance throughout the project. This collaborative approach combines trusted dealer support with specialist factory expertise, enabling the Port of Tilbury to evaluate hydrogen fuel cell technology in demanding port applications while maintaining operational productivity.
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