Hyster has announced the delivery of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker to Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST) in the Netherlands, where it will support operations at Europe's largest dedicated shortsea shipping hub.

The machine is part of a joint initiative exploring the role of hydrogen in the future of port and logistics decarbonization.

Hydrogen-Powered Equipment Arrives at Europe's Largest Shortsea Hub

The Hyster RSJ46-33XDH/62 ReachStacker will primarily handle 45-foot containers, including open-top containers. To support these requirements, it is equipped with a specialized 45-foot spreader. Power comes from a Nuvera 60-kilowatt fuel cell engine that converts hydrogen into electricity to support a 130-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.

The ReachStacker also incorporates the standardized Hyster software architecture used across other Hyster electric products, which the company says helps provide a common operator experience, diagnostics platform, and service approach.

A Five-Year Innovation Project Backed by Public Funding

The ReachStacker has been supplied by Hyster and local authorized Hyster dealer Heffiq as part of a five-year innovation project supported by the Province of South Holland and the Just Transition Fund (JTF).

Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals, Berkman Energie Services, Hyster, STC Next, and HarbourHUB are joining forces within the JTF program to make port logistics more sustainable. Together, the partners are developing a field lab in which two key innovations will be demonstrated: a modular hydrogen refueling station and a hydrogen-powered ReachStacker developed in the Netherlands.

According to the announcement, this living lab demonstrates how hydrogen can be integrated into logistics and industrial processes independently of the electricity grid. The ReachStacker deployment will also enable RST to gain practical operational experience with hydrogen-powered container handling equipment in its demanding port environments.

The project, which is co-funded by the European Union, directly contributes to carbon dioxide reduction, future regulations and standardization, and a better energy balance within ports.

Industry Perspectives on the Delivery

"Ports and terminals are under increasing pressure to lower emissions without compromising performance," said Lucien Robroek, President, Global Big Trucks, Hyster.

"Hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to play an important role in applications where equipment must combine zero tailpipe emissions with the power and uptime required for intensive container handling. Working alongside RST and the wider project team will help further our understanding of how this technology can support the future needs of the industry."

Arno Storm, CEO of RST, framed the deployment as an active commitment rather than a distant goal. "For us, sustainability is not just an ambition for the future; it is about the choices we make today," Storm said.

"This hydrogen refueling station and hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker allow us to explore the transition in practice. We want to play our part, learn along the way, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the generations to come."

Heffiq, the local authorized dealer, will support the ReachStacker through its established service infrastructure and expertise in port and terminal applications, while Hyster experts will work alongside the dealer and customer throughout the project.

"RST has been a valued Heffiq and Hyster customer for many years, and we are proud to support them on this next step in their sustainability journey," said Martijn Veerkamp, Commercial Director, Heffiq.

"Projects like this depend on strong collaboration between customers, technology providers, and service partners. By combining our local expertise with Hyster innovations and RST's operational knowledge, we have been able to deliver a pioneering solution that will generate meaningful insights by working in a live terminal environment."

Investment in People and Regional Development

The partners in the JTF program are investing in human capital alongside technological innovation. In a joint experience center, employees, students and logistics professionals will be trained for the energy transition and in the safe and efficient use of hydrogen.

The company stated that the project provides a powerful impetus for the sustainable transformation of port logistics in Rotterdam and beyond. The Province of South Holland also highlighted the regional significance of the initiative.

"South Holland is at the forefront of the energy transition, and innovative projects like this hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker keep us there," said Jeroen van Dijken, South Holland Provincial Executive.

"We are creating opportunities to accelerate innovation by bringing together pioneering companies, educational institutions and public partners. This strengthens our regional economy and prepares our workforce for the industries of the future. The knowledge gained through this initiative will reinforce South Holland's position as a leading hub for sustainable logistics and clean energy development."

About Hyster

Hyster is a worldwide provider of Hyster forklift truck and container handling solutions for heavy-duty industries, designing and manufacturing a range of material handling equipment for applications ranging from industrial warehouses and manufacturing facilities to ports and terminals.

Backed by a global dealer network and nearly a century of material handling experience, Hyster Company is a division of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale, Inc. (NYSE:HY), which is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and operates globally.

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