Project description
Hydrogen technologies for the European port industry
Seaports are a key part of the EU’s trade network. More than 250 terminal ports are currently operating in Europe. The EU-funded H2Ports project aims to boost the transition of the European port industry towards low-carbon/zero-emission and safe operative models. To this end, it will evaluate and demonstrate new fuel cell technologies to increase the energy efficiency and safety of port terminals. The prototypes selected are a reach stacker for handling cargo containers, a terminal tug master for roll-on/roll-off operations and a mobile hydrogen supply station.
Objective
Hydrogen is an energy carrier with great potential for clean, efficient power in transport applications. Hydrogen can be obtained from different sources, which in combination with fuel cells it can improve energy efficiency especially when hydrogen is produced by renewable energy sources. The action proposed tries to introduce hydrogen as an alternative fuel in the port industry.
The H2Ports project is an Action aligned with the needs and objectives of the European Commission and the port industry. The aim is to provide efficient solutions to facilitate a fast evolution from a fossil fuel based industry towards a low carbon and zero-emission sector. Hydrogen has been proved in other logistics and transportation sectors as a solution to power machinery and vehicles, therefore the action proposes different pilots to bridge the gap between prototypes and pre-commercial products:
• The first prototype will comprise a reach stacker powered with hydrogen and tested under a real life trial, in a Port Container Terminal.
• The second prototype will comprise a yard tractor equipped with a set of fuel cells. The design will enable the tractor to perform different operations like container horizontal transport or ro-ro loading/unloading operations.
• The third prototype will comprise a mobile Hydrogen supply station, which will provide the needed fuel under the appropriate thermodynamic conditions for guaranteeing the continuous working cycles of the abovementioned equipment.
The H2Ports project would also have a transversal objective that consists on developing a sustainable hydrogen supply chain at the port, coordinating all actors involved: customers, hydrogen producers, suppliers, etc. The expected results of the project are to test and validate hydrogen-powered solutions in the port-maritime industry, with the aim of having applicable and real solutions without affecting to port operations while producing zero local emissions.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.4. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.3.8.1. - Increase the electrical efficiency and the durability of the different fuel cells used for power production to levels which can compete with conventional technologies, while reducing costs
- H2020-EU.3.4.6.1. - Reduce the production cost of fuel cell systems to be used in transport applications, while increasing their lifetime to levels which can compete with conventional technologies
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
46024 Valencia
Spain