The main aim of H2PORTS is to provide efficient solutions that will facilitate a rapid transition from a fossil fuel-based to a low-carbon, zero-emissions industry. The use of hydrogen for vehicles and machinery has previously been tested in other logistics and transport sectors, so this action proposes different pilot schemes to bridge the gap between prototypes and pre-commercial products.

Specifically, within the framework of this project, two pilot initiatives will be tested in real-world operating conditions at VTE: a terminal tractor for ro-ro operations, powered by hydrogen fuel cells; and a mobile hydrogen refuelling station that will supply the fuel needed to ensure the continuous work cycles of the above mentioned machinery.

Through these H2PORTS project actions VTE, which operates a ro-ro terminal in the port of Valencia, will become  the first European port facility of its kind to use hydrogen-powered machinery, thus reducing its environmental footprint.

Furthermore, the H2PORTS project will carry out feasibility studies on the development of a sustainable hydrogen supply chain in the port, coordinating all the actors involved: customers, hydrogen producers, suppliers, etc.

The aims of the project are thus to test and validate hydrogen technologies for port machinery in order to achieve applicable, real-world solutions that produce zero local emissions, without affecting the performance and safety of port operations.

The H2PORTS project is funded by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), a European public-private partnership whose aim is to promote the adoption of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, thanks to the low emissions it generates. The total project investment is worth Euro 4 million.

Together with the Grimaldi Group and Valencia Terminal Europa, other project participants include, Fundación Valenciaport (coordinator of the project), the Port Authority of Valencia, the Centro Nacional del Hidrógeno (Spain’s National Hydrogen Centre) and the private companies Atena, Ballard Power Systems Europe and Enagás.

Through the implementation of these H2PORTS project actions, the Grimaldi Group companies continue the search for less polluting solutions to implement in ports, thus contributing to the decarbonisation of transport-related activities.