The Port of Tilbury has started operating the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker in its container business. The pre-production machine will be evaluated in normal port conditions, providing a commercial test of hydrogen for heavy-duty handling.
Hyster delivered the equipment with local partner Briggs Equipment UK. An electrolyser supplied by GeoPura will produce green hydrogen on site, with the same project also covering hydrogen supply and refuelling infrastructure.
The ReachStacker combines a 60kW Nuvera fuel cell engine with a 130kWh lithium-ion battery. Its tanks hold 32kg of hydrogen, supporting a stated 12-hour shift, while refuelling takes less than 30 minutes. Compared with an equivalent diesel machine, the port estimates annual carbon dioxide savings of more than 107,000kg.
Hyster developed the system using experience from its previous ReachStacker pilot in Valencia and adapted it for the application. The machine retains the manufacturer’s standard software architecture for electric products, alongside specialist support for its fuel cell and high-voltage systems.
Port of Tilbury, part of Forth Ports, is using the trial to assess whether hydrogen can provide zero tailpipe emissions without compromising productivity or operational resilience. Briggs will provide frontline maintenance, while the three partners evaluate performance after two years of collaboration. The project supports Forth Ports’ target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2042.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.