Hyster has handed over a ReachStacker with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion to Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST) in the Netherlands. According to the company, the vehicle will be used at what it describes as Europe's largest dedicated shortsea shipping hub. There, it will primarily handle 45-foot containers, including open-top containers.
Technical details of the ReachStacker
The RSJ46-33XDH/62 model is equipped with a specialized 45-foot spreader. Propulsion is provided by a Nuvera fuel cell with an output of 60 kilowatts. This converts hydrogen into electricity and feeds a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 130 kilowatt-hours. According to the manufacturer, the vehicle uses the same software architecture as other Hyster electric products. This is intended to provide a common basis for operators, diagnostics platforms and service processes.
"Ports and terminals are under increasing pressure to lower emissions without compromising performance," explains Lucien Robroek, President, Global Big Trucks, Hyster. In his view, fuel cell technology could play a role in applications where zero-emission operation must be combined with the high power and uptime required for container handling.
Five-year innovation project with partners
The delivery was made by Hyster and local dealer Heffiq as part of a five-year innovation project. It is supported by the Province of South Holland and the European Union's Just Transition Fund (JTF). In addition to RST and Hyster, the project partners include Berkman Energie Services, STC Next and HarbourHUB.
The program involves the creation of a living lab in which two innovations are to be demonstrated: a modular hydrogen refueling station and the hydrogen-powered ReachStacker developed in the Netherlands. According to the project partners, the lab is intended to show how hydrogen can be integrated into logistics and industrial processes independently of the electricity grid. RST also aims to gain practical operational experience with hydrogen-powered container handling under real port conditions.
"For us, sustainability is not just an ambition for the future; it is about the choices we make today," says Arno Storm, CEO of RST. The hydrogen refueling station and the fuel cell-powered ReachStacker made it possible to explore the transition in practice.
Training for the energy transition
The project also includes a joint experience center. There, employees, students and logistics professionals are to be trained for the energy transition and in the safe handling of hydrogen. According to the partners, the project will contribute to CO2 reduction, future regulations and standardization.
Martijn Veerkamp, Commercial Director at Heffiq, points to the long-standing customer relationship with RST. The dealer will service the ReachStacker through its existing service infrastructure, while Hyster experts will accompany the project.
Jeroen van Dijken, member of the Provincial Executive of South Holland, sees the project as a contribution to strengthening the regional economy. According to him, the knowledge gained will reinforce South Holland's position as a hub for sustainable logistics and clean energy.
