PACECO Corp., a prominent leader in the container handling machinery sector, has announced the initiation of commercial operations for the world's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Los Angeles. This groundbreaking development establishes a new benchmark for zero-emission operations within port facilities. The H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane, which was developed in partnership with MITSUI E&S, commenced its operations at Yusen Terminals Inc. (YTI) on May 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone as the first fully hydrogen-powered RTG crane to enter commercial service globally.

The H2-ZE RTG Transtainer Crane operates entirely on fuel-cell hydrogen technology, representing an unprecedented advancement in terminal operations by enabling zero emissions for large container cranes without the need for connection to the electric grid. This innovative zero-emission rubber-tired gantry crane was developed by MITSUI E&S in collaboration with PACECO and manufactured by MITSUI E&S in Japan. The fuel-cell power pack (FCPP), which serves as an efficient alternative to conventional diesel generators, was designed and constructed by MITSUI E&S in Oita, Japan, with hydrogen supplied by Toyota Tsusho for this initiative. Additionally, existing conventional diesel RTGs can be modified to achieve zero emissions through the implementation of the FCPP system.