MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd. will develop a hydrogen refuelling system after winning selection for a government-backed project supporting the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered cargo handling equipment at port terminals.
The company was selected for a subsidy under the Technology Development Project for Building a Hydrogen Society / Regional Hydrogen Utilization Technology Development by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization.
The selected project, titled “Research and Development of a Hydrogen Refuelling System for Hydrogen-Powered Cargo Handling Equipment“, aims to support the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered cargo handling equipment.
MITSUI E&S, with support from NEDO, successfully developed and demonstrated the world’s first rubber-tyred gantry crane (RTGC) powered by a fuel cell (FC).
As hydrogen-powered cargo handling equipment is being tested at port container terminals as part of decarbonisation efforts, MITSUI E&S will now leverage the results of this demonstration to develop a hydrogen refuelling system essential for the widespread adoption of such equipment.
The project aims to develop a proprietary hydrogen refuelling system capable of efficiently supplying large volumes of hydrogen fuel to various types of cargo handling equipment, even in scenarios where hydrogen-powered machinery is widely deployed.
The scope includes research into the requirements and equipment specifications, as well as investigations into relevant regulations and certifications required for operational deployment.
Through this initiative, the hydrogen refuelling system developed is expected to accelerate the decarbonisation of port container terminals and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Furthermore, it will support the adoption of hydrogen-powered cargo handling equipment both in Japan and internationally, contributing to the growth of related industries and the creation of new employment opportunities.
Earlier this March, MITSUI E&S, together with Tomakomai Kuribayashi Transportation Co., Ltd. and Hino Motors, Ltd., conducted a demonstration experiment at Tomakomai International Container Terminal.