Hydrogen and lithium-ion power may move ports closer to total electrification, says Hyster Europe, as it prepares to update on its zero-emission Container Handler and ReachStacker projects at the TOC Global Showcase virtual event.

“For several years, Hyster has been working on unique zero-emissions container handling equipment for ports that incorporate lithium-ion battery and fuel cell technology,” says Willem Nieuwland, Big Truck Program Manager for Hyster. “However, we are now ‘extending the family’ and bringing these benefits to more equipment types to support total green operations from ship to store.”

Hyster recently revealed it was entering a partnership with Capacity Trucks to jointly develop electric, hydrogen, and automation-ready terminal tractors. This addresses growing demand for environmentally sustainable terminal tractor solutions in port, terminal, and distribution centre markets, with initial prototypes expected to be available in 2021 for testing in port applications.

The collaboration brings together Capacity’s robust terminal truck platform with unique Hyster® lift truck electric powertrain technology for proven reliability and hydrogen fuel cells.  The Hyster® solution in development has lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cell power integral to the design, rather than as a retro-fit option. It is expected that the final solution will be produced on a large scale, at an affordable price to help ports to reach their environmental goals.

Hyster discusses ‘total port electrification’

“Importantly, the opportunities for hydrogen fuel cells are a key factor in this development, as this is a particularly interesting area for ports and something we’ve been progressing since 2017,” says Willem. “Hydrogen has the potential to provide the renewable energy model that is most attractive to environmentally driven businesses, without some of the complexities of electric vehicles – such as grid power availability for charging.”

“What’s more, this is an area where funding and grants are available, making it feasible for ports wishing to explore zero-emissions equipment options,” he continues.

Hyster continues to develop Container Handlers and ReachStackers powered by lithium-ion batteries, either alone or combined with a fuel-cell range extender, as part of a number of funded projects for end users in the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Valencia.

However, in the past year, Hyster has also launched a number of product innovations that are available now to support zero-emissions handling with high productivity portside.

The new Hyster® J7.0–9.0XNL electric forklift series with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries, carries up to nine tonnes, and gives port operations the benefits of comparable diesel engine performance, and rapid opportunity charging. These new trucks are designed with the endurance to support multi-shift, demanding operations, giving a credible alternative to an IC truck, thanks to the unique combination of a lithium-ion battery, a high voltage drive system, and the use of multi-phase permanent magnetic motors.

Meanwhile portside stores may benefit from the Hyster® PC1.5 ultra-compact lithium-ion pallet truck, which can deliver greater efficiency than a hand pallet truck, but without complex maintenance requirements. It is designed to be tough and reliable enough to stand-up to daily operational challenges, but with a low cost of ownership. When the lithium-ion battery needs replacing, operators get a re-charge alert and, in just six seconds, can exchange it, keeping the operation running with minimal interruption.

Hyster Europe at the TOC Global Showcase

On Thursday 17th June 2021, from 10.00 – 11.00, Willem Nieuwland will discuss more around the total electrification of ports and the latest updates around zero-emissions Hyster® Big Truck developments as part of the ‘Spotlight on the Green Transition’ session at the online TOC Global Showcase.

HYSTER is one of the world's leading makers of forklift and warehousing trucks. With 70 years dedicated experience in the materials handling industry and an exclusive network of dealers, we believe we can provide lift truck users with a unique combination of quality products and after sales service.

Our aim is to ensure that your trucks are available when you need them, allowing you to concentrate on your core business.

We hope that you find our site interesting, and look forward to hearing your comments. 

HYSTER has been building lift trucks for over 70 years. The HYSTER story began in 1929 in the North American Lumber industry, with the supply of logging winches. The name HYSTER came from the cries of the workmen-"hoist'er".

The company then began to look for ways to improve general materials handling, and in 1934 built their first piece of mobile lifting equipment called a "cranemobile" which would later become known as the "karry krane".

The first HYSTER lift truck was built in 1935 and by the end of 1940's, HYSTER lift trucks, of various types could be found on ports and docksides, and loading timber yards throughout the U.S.A. and other parts of the world.

In the 1950s, HYSTER established its European headquarter in England, and then built its forklift manufacturing plants in the Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland and Italy, as well as in Australia. In late 1950s, HYSTER invented "Monotrol Pedal Technology" which controls both directions and acceleration. This technology was one of the most advanced technologies and has been used in forklift industry till now. With the developing of its business, HYSTER has built 14 manufacturing plants all over the world with a 16% world market share.

HYSTER Company is the first U.S. lift truck manufacturer to receive ISO9002 registration. The Testing Center which was built in 1960s in Portland is the biggest and best equipped lift truck testing center in the world. Today customers consider the word "HYSTER" and "lift truck" to be synonymous. We, HYSTER China with such a proud heritage will strive hard to make sure that doesn't change.

Shanghai HYSTER has been active in China for many years. Our commitment to serving our customers has led us to make a major investment in China. A totally new, award winning manufacturing and servicing facility became operational in 1999. Besides manufacturing a range of HYSTER products at this facility, the national HYSTER distribution and service network is managed from this centrally situated facility which is located in the Pudong, Shanghai industrial zone.

HYSTER China Headquarter is located in Jinqiao, Pudong Shanghai. The plant was formally opened on April 8th, 1999 with a 26,379m2 facility and over 100 employees. It adopts latest DFT (Demand Flow Technology) in its manufacturing and management system for 2-3 ton diesel trucks followed by one new range of 1.5-2.5 ton electric truck.

HYSTER China will use its worldwide resources to serve the domestic and multinational corporations in China.