sustainability initiatives,” it says. While it takes time for manufacturers to demonstrate viable electric trucks for port applications that can be produced in volume at an attractive price point, there are promising pilots in planning and in progress – Hyster cites its hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) ReachStacker at the Port of Valenica in Spain as an example. “While there is currently a significant cost differential between container handling equipment fuelled with diesel and battery-electric alternatives, as more electric powered equipment enters the market, economies of scale will help drive parity,” it adds. “The current moment is an important time for ports to do research and understand the options, because a smooth shift to electric equipment involves significant preparation. Determining and implementing the right solution for each operation requires careful evaluation of power choices, charging or refuelling equipment, along with utility grid changes or the production and transportation of hydrogen fuel.”
However, while electrification of higher capacity lift trucks is moving forward, it is not yet the right solution for every port operation. Switching to greener fuel types, such as HVO100 (hydrotreated vegetable oil), can also help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. Hyster container handlers, reach stackers and forklifts can use HVO100 according to the EN15940 standard. For those still using diesel fuel, Hyster container handlers and forklifts are designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping support fuel economy and emissions levels.
Higher power Hyster introduced the industry’s first sit-down counterbalanced forklift with factory-integrated 350-volt lithium-ion power in the 7,000–9,000kg capacity range. It has since expanded integrated lithium-ion power to heavier-duty applications with 10,000–18,000kg capacity models. The Hyster J10-18XD series integrated lithium-ion high-capacity forklifts offer performance comparable to an ICE alternative and scalable battery options to match duty cycle and charging requirements. Crucially, all Hyster electric big trucks use the Combined Charging System (CCS), a global EV charging standard. It says this enables port and terminal operations to cost-effectively scale charging for multiple applications and equipment through a single, standardised charging connector used across numerous industries and geographies. The drive now is to go higher with electrification. “Electric power sources are taking on even higher-capacity equipment, especially in port settings with electric container handlers, reach stackers and terminal tractors,” adds
Hyster container handlers, reach stackers and forklifts can use greener fuels like HVO100.
Hyster. “Such equipment is powered by either a lithium-ion battery or hydrogen fuel cells (HFC).” The company sees Li-ion batteries as a
strong contender for high-capacity applications because they can deliver the ICE-like performance that port and terminal operations count on – a major step forward from lead-acid battery technology. They can tolerate a high energy draw without overheating or dropping in efficiency, while also providing far greater energy density, power transfer and service life than lead-acid batteries. “The large lithium-ion battery approach offers choice between conventional and opportunity charging and is designed for a medium-duty cycle,” it adds. “Alternatively, hydrogen fuel cells offer the ability to refuel the truck – fill the onboard hydrogen tanks –with hydrogen in 10–15 minutes and stands up to a heavy-duty cycle; enabling operators to work a full shift without stopping to charge or refuel.”
It sees equipment powered by HFCs as combining the simplicity and sustained performance of ICE with the zero harmful emissions and reduced maintenance of electric drivetrains. “An added benefit is the speed with which they can be refuelled, with no downtime for battery changing and charging and no need for operators to remember to plug in during breaks to opportunity charge,” it says.
Unique challenges The adoption of new technologies also means that training has to evolve. CM Labs Simulations says these are increasingly addressed through its simulation-based programmes. “Operators need to understand not only how
to control increasingly sophisticated equipment, but also how that equipment interacts with digital systems and automated workflows,” says Devon Van de Kletersteeg, ports and industrial product growth manager. “As these
Simulation-based training will help with workforce adoption of new technologies.
www.hoistmagazine.com | April 2026 | xvii
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