Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cranes at the Port of Los Angeles

Project Manager

The project is carried out by the Port of Los Angeles, PACECO Corp., in collaboration with MITSUI E&S and with funding from the Japan Organization for the Development of New Energy and Industrial Technology (NEDO).

Project Description

PACECO Corp. has launched the first rubber-tire mobile harbor crane (RTG) powered by hydrogen fuel cells at the Port of Los Angeles. The crane, named H2-ZE RTG, became operational at Yusen Terminals Inc. (YTI) on May 15, 2024.

This innovative crane is 100% powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, completely eliminating emissions without the need to connect to the power grid. MITSUI E&S designed and built the fuel cell power system in Oita, Japan, while Toyota Tsusho provided the necessary hydrogen.

The efficiency of this technology allows the crane to operate continuously for 16 hours a day, matching the performance of diesel or hybrid cranes, but without the negative environmental impacts, as it contributes to environmental sustainability by eliminating carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants, significantly improving air quality in the port and nearby communities.
In addition, it reduces noise pollution, improving working conditions for port employees.

Additionally, the project has significant demonstrative value, showing the feasibility of using hydrogen fuel cells in industrial and port applications, as these cranes can be used at the Port of Los Angeles to move containers within the terminal, facilitating efficient cargo handling and storage.

This innovative project is a good example of the adoption of new technologies and positions the Port of Los Angeles as a leader in the adoption of green technologies. The pilot project at Yusen Terminals is expected to last four years, ending in 2028.

Project objectives

The main objective of the H2-ZE RTG crane project is to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell technology in port applications.

Cranes powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants associated with conventional diesel cranes, which can emit the equivalent of carbon dioxide from burning more than 400 barrels of oil per year.

In addition, the crane is expected to operate for 16 hours a day, maintaining an efficiency comparable to diesel or hybrid RTG cranes, but with a significant reduction in noise pollution, improving working conditions in the port.

This project also supports the Port of Los Angeles’ sustainability goals, particularly the Clean Air Action Plan, which seeks to reduce emissions that affect communities near the port.