The world’s most advanced hybrid straddle carrier

New energy-saving, low-emission technology at the Port of Hamburg: The world’s first hybrid straddle carrier, which already fulfils the Stage V emission standard, is in use at the HHLA Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB). This standard will enter into force at the end of this year. The prototype from the company Kalmar will initially be tested for six months in handling at CTB, where its driveability, productivity and energy consumption will be examined.

The principle of hybrid technology has already proven effective – the straddle carrier stores surplus energy, which is for example generated during braking or while the load is being lowered, in a high-performance lithium-ion battery. As it drives, the vehicle uses this stored energy. This significantly eases the load on the combustion engine.

Less fossil energy means fewer costs and reduced emissions. In comparison with the diesel-electric straddle carriers previously used at CTB, this state-of-the-art carrier, which conforms to Stage V, will produce considerably lower emissions. For a port that is so close to the city centre, like the Port of Hamburg, it is also particularly advantageous that the new hybrid straddle carrier is virtually silent, with the exception of tyre noise.  

“HHLA is always eager to use the latest technology and intelligent solutions to reduce energy costs and at the same time cut emissions. That’s why we’re now testing these hybrid straddle carrier prototypes,” explains HHLA Managing Director Engineering Ulf Bockelmann. “The vehicle needs to perform just as well in handling as the diesel-electric models,” Bockelmann continues. Two other hybrid straddle carriers, from Konecranes-Noell, have been in testing at HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT) since January.