Port of Tilbury deploys UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell ReachStacker

The Port of Tilbury in Essex, United Kingdom, has deployed the country’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker for real-world container operations. Developed through a two-year collaboration with Hyster and Briggs Equipment, the machine utilizes a 60kW Nuvera fuel cell engine to support a 130kWh lithium-ion battery.

The hydrogen-powered heavy lifter is designed to provide performance comparable to internal combustion engine machines while significantly reducing environmental impact. It is expected to lower CO2 emissions by more than 107,000 kilograms per year. The system can be refueled with 32kg of hydrogen in less than 30 minutes, enabling a full 12-hour shift.

Infrastructure support for the project is provided by GeoPura, while Briggs Equipment is responsible for on-site service and maintenance. This deployment marks a milestone in the port's transition toward green hydrogen and lower-carbon container handling.