Hyster has delivered a hydrogen fuel cell-powered reach stacker to Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST) in the Netherlands, as part of a joint initiative exploring the role of hydrogen in the future of port and logistics decarbonisation.

Hyster says the RSJ46-33XDH/62 reach stacker will support operations at Europe's largest dedicated shortsea shipping hub, primarily handling 45 ft. (13.7m) containers, including open-top containers.

Hyster delivers hydrogen fuel cell-powered reach stacker to Netherlands

It has been equipped with a specialised 45 ft. spreader.

The reach stacker is powered by a Nuvera 60kW fuel cell engine which converts hydrogen into electricity to support a 130kWh lithium-ion battery. It also incorporates the standardised Hyster software architecture used across other Hyster electric products, helping provide common operator experience, diagnostics platform, and service approach.

“Ports and terminals are under increasing pressure to lower emissions without compromising operational performance,” explains Lucien Robroek, president, global big trucks with Hyster. “Hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to play an important role in applications where equipment must combine zero tailpipe emissions with the power and uptime required for intensive container handling.

“Working alongside RST and the wider project team will help further our understanding of how this technology can support the future needs of the industry.”

The reach stacker has been supplied by Hyster and local authorised dealer Heffiq, as part of a five-year innovation project supported by the Province of South Holland and the Just Transition Fund (JTF).

Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals, Berkman Energie Services, Hyster, STC Next and HarbourHUB are joining forces with the JTF program to make port logistics more sustainable. Together, they are developing a unique field lab in which two key innovations will be demonstrated: a modular hydrogen refuelling station and a H2 reach stacker developed in the Netherlands.

Hyster explains the living lab demonstrates how hydrogen can be effectively integrated into logistics and industrial processes independently of the electricity grid.

The deployment of the reach stacker also allows RST to gain practical operational experience with hydrogen-powered container handling equipment in its port environments.

Arno Storm, CEO of RST, says: “For us, sustainability is not just an ambition for the future; it is about the choices we make today”.

“This hydrogen refuelling station and hydrogen fuel cell-powered reach stacker allow us to explore the transition in practice. We want to play our part, learn along the way, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the generations to come.”

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.

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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.