Electric vs. hydrogen-based container handling equipment

When it comes to environmental innovation in Supply Chain & Logistics, specifically in container terminal operations, electric-based and hydrogen-based container handling equipment are at the forefront of change.

Although they both essentially share the same purpose—to move and manipulate containers—they also differ considerably in terms of operation, infrastructure, and overall efficiency.

Let's take a look at the similarities and differences.

Similarities:

• Both electric and hydrogen equipment paves the way for a greener tomorrow. Any of these solutions will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuel resources.
• The electric-based equipment operates primarily on battery power, while the hydrogen variant runs by converting hydrogen into electricity, which then powers the machine—a process also known as ‘fuel cell technology’.

Differences:

Electricity-Based Equipment:

• 1. Energy Source and Storage: These equipment utilize electricity stored in batteries, which are recharged via external charging.
• 2. Operation Duration: The electric equipment can operate for long hours, the operational times and non-operational times need to be considered as charging times will play a critical role and those need to be well planned to avoid affecting equipment utilization during operations.
• 3. Infrastructure: They require a charging infrastructure, which can range from standard electrical grid connections to dedicated fast-charging stations.

The current challenge for electric equipment is finding the right solution that will meet the operational requirements and the possible grid limitations or other infrastructure limitations that could require an additional investment.

Hydrogen-Based Equipment:

• 1. Energy Source and Storage: Hydrogen-based units use fuel cells where hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, with water being the only byproduct.
• 2. Operation Duration: They can operate continuously for long hours, similar to diesel counterparts, and can be quickly refueled, reducing downtime.
• 3. Infrastructure: These types of equipment require a hydrogen supply, which means having on-site hydrogen production or deliveries and proper and safe storage systems for hydrogen fuel.

At the moment, the Achilles heel for hydrogen equipment is the cost and availability of infrastructure as the production, storage, and distribution of hydrogen fuel can be quite pricey. Furthermore, most hydrogen today is produced from natural gas, linking its production to fossil fuel use. (This is country by country)

In conclusion, electric-based and hydrogen-based container handling equipment share a unified vision for a sustainable future.

Which one is the best for you depends on the specific use cases and logistical considerations. The tradeoffs between energy efficiency, power consistency, refueling quickness, the expenses tied to infrastructure, and charging times present decision-makers with plenty to consider for their future equipment fleets.

After all, the devil is often in the details.??

Let me know your thoughts and which of these challenges you consider to be the most tricky to overcome.

Don't forget to drop what topics you would like to read in future editions.