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Hydrogen has been held up as the Holy Grail of energy sources many times. It’s rapid refill capability and long-range, coupled with its zero-emissions at point of use gives it the best of the attributes of fossil fuels and electricity. Now the Ports of Auckland in New Zealand are attempting to go “no emission” by adopting hydrogen as the fuel source of choice. Marcus Hand reports for Seatrade Maritime News:
New Zealand’s Ports of Auckland is aiming for zero emissions by 2040 and is looking to hydrogen power as an alternative to batteries to power terminal equipment.
As it targets emissions free operation Ports of Auckland has committed to build a hydrogen production and refuelling facility at its Waitematā port.
As part of the project the port and its partners Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail, will invest in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles including port equipment, buses and cars.
Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson explained: “We have an ambitious target to be a zero emission port by 2040. In order to meet that target we need a new renewable and resilient power source for heavy equipment like tugs and straddle carriers, which are difficult to power with batteries. Hydrogen could be the solution for us as it can be produced and stored on site, allows rapid refuelling, and provides greater range than batteries.”
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