Hydrogen-powered tractor debuts at Grimaldi Group’s Valencia terminal

Almost one year after the start of operational testing in the ports of Salerno and Valencia, on 28 November a demonstration event was held at the Valencia Terminal Europa (VTE, a Grimaldi Group subsidiary), showing the potential of the world’s first hydrogen-powered terminal tractor, designed within the framework of the European project H2PORTS – Implementing Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technologies in Ports.

The 4x4 tractor was developed by ATENA – a research and technology hub composed of universities, research institutes and private companies mainly based in the Campania Region of Italy – with the support of ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), the Parthenope University of Naples and the Grimaldi Group. The participants at the event were able to see the machine in operation: the terminal tractor loaded with renewable hydrogen demonstrated its autonomy, reliability and power by hitching up a truck trailer and driving around the terminal, releasing only water droplets as the residue of hydrogen combustion.

More specifically, this terminal tractor has a fuel cell/battery hybrid powertrain which allows the vehicle to perform all the intensive tasks required during roll-on/roll-off operations. Its hydrogen storage system, consisting of four Type 3 cylinders (350 bar), has an overall capacity of around 12 kilograms, which guarantees continuous operation for at least six hours before refuelling, corresponding to the average duration of a work shift. The electric motor is a light and efficient device, particularly suitable for high power applications. It is fed by a high-performance LiFePO4 battery, with 25 kWh energy capacity, and a 70 kW Ballard fuel cell module. In particular, the motor can receive power for traction from the fuel cell and battery simultaneously or charge the battery during braking or decelerations. At the same time, if needed, the fuel cell can provide power to both the motor and the battery. The hybrid powertrain shows high operational efficiency, since it takes advantage of a significant share (up to 25%) of kinetic energy recovery.

In January 2024, a new testing phase will start in the port of Salerno for the fine-tuning of the tractor, which is destined to revolutionize ro-ro operations in the Grimaldi Group’s Valencia terminal.