Terberg launches tests of hydrogen-powered tractor at Port of Rotterdam

The Port of Rotterdam has announced that Terberg, a specialist vehicles manufacturer, has begun extensive tests of its first concept hydrogen-powered terminal tractor.

The tractor, developed in collaboration with zepp.solutions, is now in operation at United Waalhaven Terminals in Rotterdam. It will work amongst conventional diesel terminal tractors, pulling the same loads, while being remotely monitored to collect a wide range of data.

Rob van Hove, Managing Director Terberg Benschop, said: “Our ultimate goal is to offer excellent performance for heavy duty applications combined with favourable TCO.

“And we want to support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals. Our strategy is focused on providing flexibility to our customers, so they can adapt to their changing market environment.”

The YT203-H2 hydrogen tractor is built on the proven YT multifunctional platform. This ensures the same ergonomics and comfort and the same robust resilience under tough working conditions.

Most importantly, the multifunctional platform provides the same easy maintenance and smart management features as in the new YT-model introduced last year.

Customers can migrate from stage 5 certified diesel engines to 3rd generation electric drives and, whenever the tipping point is reached, to hydrogen fuel cell power. The new YT-series are the result of Terberg’s drive to contribute to CO2-neutral logistics, combined with relentless performance and good TCO.

The hydrogen terminal tractor is based on the recently introduced fully electric YT203-EV. The YT203-H2 is the result of the joint development between Terberg and zepp.solutions, a tech scale-up that specializes in hydrogen fuel cell systems for various applications.

The difference with the EV model is that that the energy is stored in the form of hydrogen, enabling quick refuelling. The YT203-H2 is equipped with four 150 liter (350 bar) hydrogen fuel tanks (600 liter total) containing 14,4 kg hydrogen. This is suitable for a full day operation in heavy-duty applications.

The hydrogen tractor is designed to provide the same or more tractive power than diesel powered terminal tractors, but with zero emission and without the noise of combustion engines.

The proof of concept at United Waalhaven Terminals in Rotterdam marks a big step from design studies to real-life validation. The project is being supported by the DKTI-Transport regulation of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/terberg-launches-tests-of-hydrogen-powered-tractor-at-port-of-rotterdam/