The UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker has entered operational service at the Port of Tilbury in Essex, marking a step forward in the use of hydrogen for heavy-duty container handling.
Hyster has delivered the machine in partnership with local dealer Briggs Equipment UK. The pre-production ReachStacker will operate on green hydrogen produced on site, allowing the Port of Tilbury to trial hydrogen fuel cell technology in demanding port operations.
David Housden, Head of Engineering & Procurement at the Port of Tilbury, said:
“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. We are now delivering 100% green hydrogen-powered heavy lifting capability for our customers.”
The machine is expected to reduce the port’s carbon footprint by more than 107,000kg of CO2 per year, based on the diesel consumption of an equivalent machine.
Built for a full shift
The ReachStacker uses a 60kW Nuvera fuel cell engine to generate electricity, supported by a 130kWh lithium-ion battery.
Its high-pressure hydrogen tanks hold 32kg of fuel, providing the capacity to operate across a full 12-hour shift. Refuelling takes less than 30 minutes.
The fuel cell system has been developed using experience from previous pilot projects, including Hyster’s ReachStacker trial in Valencia, which concluded last year. Hyster says the system has been optimised and right-sized for the application.
“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”
said Lucien Robroek, President of Global Big Trucks at Hyster.
The machine also incorporates Hyster’s standard software architecture used across its electric products.
Hydrogen for heavy-duty handling
For the Port of Tilbury, the project is intended to demonstrate whether hydrogen can provide the combination of zero tailpipe emissions, productivity and operational resilience required for intensive container handling.
The port is part of the Forth Ports Group, which has a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2042.
“This pre-production trial marks a landmark moment for our business as we introduce leading alternative clean energy solutions into our port operations,” added Housden. “The project is supported by on-site green hydrogen production, supply, and refuelling infrastructure from GeoPura.”
Green hydrogen for the ReachStacker will be produced using an electrolyser supplied by GeoPura, with on-site production, supply and refuelling infrastructure supporting the project.
Briggs Equipment will provide frontline service and maintenance, while Hyster will provide specialist technical support for the fuel cell and high-voltage systems.
Mike Parkin, Ports and Big Truck Director at Briggs Equipment UK, said:
“We are thrilled to be part of this milestone and to welcome the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell ReachStacker to the Port of Tilbury. This innovative hydrogen project shows what is possible when sustainability and innovation combine.”
The project follows two years of collaboration between the Port of Tilbury, Hyster and Briggs Equipment, with the partners now evaluating hydrogen technology under real operating conditions.
