Valencia port has become the first port globally to use a 4×4 truck tractor unit, powered by green hydrogen to move containers.
The Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) is aiming to achieve zero emissions targets by 2030, and this historic event is seen as a milestone in the roadmap to reaching that goal. The Grimaldi Group carried out the first operational test at Valencia Terminal Europa (VALTE) under the supervision of the team of inspectors of the European H2PORTS project. After performing the unladen test, the tractor hitched up a truck trailer and drove around the terminal, demonstrating its autonomy, reliability, and power. The test was observed by more than 40 technicians, supervisors and representatives of the companies participating in the project. The Port of Valencia has made a commitment to introduce hydrogen as a central element of mobility, which will bring about an extraordinary transformation in the field of mobility. This first operation has been supervised by the technical team of the entities ATENA, VALTE, the Grimaldi Group, the National Hydrogen Centre, Carburos Metálicos, and the Valenciaport Foundation as the coordinator of this initiative. The 4×4 tractor unit is the first hydrogen-powered unit in the world and has been developed by ATENA, a research and technology center made up of universities, research institutes, and private companies based mainly in the Italian region of Campania.
Valencia’s aim is to reduce the environmental impact of port operations, and the hydrogen supply station established in January under the H2PORTS program has contributed significantly to the cause. Domenico Ferraiuolo, CEO of Valencia Terminal Europa (VALTE) and Grimaldi Ports, reiterated the commitment of Valencia and the Grimaldi Group to decarbonizing ships and land-based terminal machinery with zero emissions. The head of Valenciaport confirmed the importance of the initiative in meeting the objective of total decarbonization by 2030, and expressed pride in Valencia’s technological breakthroughs to eliminate pollution.
This cutting-edge technology is one of the many being tested and developed as a solution for the future, which will provide excellent quality and safety parameters for sustainable operations in ports. Lionel Boillot, Project Officer Clean Hydrogen JU of the European Commission, believes that this event is a significant milestone in the application of green hydrogen technology in port operations worldwide.
While this development is a milestone in the journey towards sustainable port operations, there are potential challenges that need to be addressed. The cost of hydrogen-powered engines and refueling infrastructure is a major hurdle, and the technology’s availability could also be limited. However, with support from the European Commission, participating companies, and research centers, it is possible that this technology can be developed further and adapted to meet the challenges.
In conclusion, Valencia’s innovative move to introduce hydrogen as a central element of mobility in the port is a significant milestone in the journey towards decarbonization of port operations. The use of green hydrogen technology in port operations can greatly reduce the environmental impact of port operations, with the Port of Valencia leading the way. The potential challenges, such as the cost of hydrogen-powered engines and refueling infrastructure, should be addressed to ensure the widespread use of this technology in the future.
