Hyster equips the Port of Rotterdam with ReachStackers
Hyster is sending a hydrogen-powered ReachStacker to Rotterdam. At the Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals, this H2 forklift will be tested in practice along with a modular hydrogen fueling station and its own training center.
Image: Hyster
Hyster, an American provider of forklifts and container handling solutions, has equipped the port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) with a specialized vehicle following its deployment in Spain’s Valencia. It is a so-called ReachStacker powered by hydrogen fuel cells, designed to operate at the Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST). At Europe’s largest port for short-sea shipping, the RSJ46-33XDH/62 model is primarily used for handling 45-foot containers and is equipped with a special spreader for this purpose.
The ReachStacker is powered by a 60 kW fuel cell engine from Nuvera, which converts hydrogen into electricity to charge a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 130 kWh. Hyster also emphasizes a unified software architecture across its products to enable consistent operation, diagnostics, and maintenance.
The reach stacker is part of a multi-year innovation project aimed at decarbonizing heavy material handling. This initiative is supported by entities such as the province of South Holland and the EU-funded Just Transition Fund (JTF), which includes companies like Hyster and RST, as well as Berkman Energie Services, STC Next, HarbourHUB, and Hyster’s local dealer Heffiq.
Hyster experts work closely with the dealer and customer throughout the entire project. “South Holland is at the forefront of the energy transition. Innovative projects like the Hyster Hydrogen ReachStacker ensure we stay there,” summarizes Jeroen van Dijken, a member of South Holland’s provincial government.
"The pressure on ports and terminals is increasing. They need to reduce emissions without compromising operational performance," explains Lucien Robroek, President, Global Big Trucks, Hyster. "Hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to play a key role in applications where machines must combine zero emissions with the performance and availability required for intensive container handling. Working with RST and the entire project team will help us better understand how this technology can support the industry’s future needs."
The site in Rotterdam serves as a real-world laboratory, as the project tests not only reach trucks but also a modular hydrogen refueling station to enable operation independent of utility grids. Another key component is a shared experience center where employees, students, and logistics experts are trained for the energy transition as well as safe and efficient handling of hydrogen.
"For us, sustainability is not just a goal for the future, but depends on the decisions we make today," explains Arno Storm, CEO of RST. "This hydrogen fueling station and the ReachStacker powered by a hydrogen fuel cell allow us to test this transformation in practice. We want to contribute our part, learn from it, and help create a cleaner and more sustainable future for future generations."
