Inland Terminals Group (ITG) has started deploying a battery-electric ReachStacker from Hyster at its Terminal ITG Venray-Wanssum in the Netherlands. The Hyster RSJ46-33XDL electric ReachStacker will enter operations this month as part of a 24-month field development programme aimed at testing and improving the technology under real terminal operating conditions.
The deployment forms part of Hyster’s continued development of electric container handling equipment. The RSJ46-33XDL incorporates systems and technologies developed through earlier Hyster electric truck projects, including an electric empty container handler pilot at Malta Freeport Terminals.
Hyster authorised dealer Heffiq is supporting the deployment and will provide local service and maintenance assistance throughout the field programme. The battery-electric ReachStacker is equipped with four 130-kilowatt lithium-ion battery packs designed to support a full eight-hour operating shift. Two battery packs are positioned on each side of the machine to distribute the battery system across the truck.
Using a compatible charging system, the batteries can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 4.5 hours. The ReachStacker also uses software shared with other Hyster electric lift trucks, providing common operator displays, controls, service tools and diagnostic systems.
Lucien Robroek, President of Global Big Trucks, Hyster, said the deployment with ITG would help demonstrate how battery-electric technology performs in demanding terminal environments. He said the field programme would also provide valuable operating data to further develop the technology and improve the operator experience.
The project is part of ITG’s wider sustainability programme. The company has become the first inland terminal operator in the Netherlands and Belgium to receive a third Lean & Green Star, recognising progress in reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Jan-Jaap Kroft, Sustainability Manager, Inland Terminals Group, said the commissioning of the company’s first fully electric Hyster ReachStacker marks an important step towards more sustainable material handling operations. He said the investment supports ITG’s ambition to develop an emission-free transport chain and build terminal operations that are prepared for future requirements.
The electric ReachStacker will be used in normal terminal operations during the 24-month development period, allowing ITG and Hyster to assess performance, operating efficiency and practical requirements in a live working environment. Heffiq will remain responsible for conventional maintenance and service requirements, while Hyster’s factory support will be available for high-voltage system-related issues. The arrangement provides ITG with the same local service structure available for other Hyster equipment.
The project brings together ITG’s focus on lower-emission logistics, Hyster’s development of electric heavy-duty material handling equipment and Heffiq’s local technical support. The companies expect the field programme to provide further insight into the role of battery-electric equipment in future inland container terminal operations.
