Hyster’s hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) ReachStacker recently garnered recognition as a transformative product in the 2025 BIG Innovation Awards.
The Hyster HFC ReachStacker currently is functioning as part of a pilot program at the Port of Valencia in Spain, making it the first ReachStacker application in Europe using HFC technologies for container handling equipment in real operating conditions, Hyster reported.
The HFC-powered ReachStacker is an innovative zero-emission solution that uses a hydrogen fuel cell engine to convert hydrogen into electricity. This alternative to traditional internal combustion engine-powered (ICE) equipment represents a step forward in enabling the decarbonization of ports, offering reduced greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and operating costs compared to conventional ICE-powered container handlers.
“With supply chains accounting for more than 90% of most organizations’ greenhouse gas emissions, ports play an important role in meeting emissions reduction targets,” Lucien Robroek, Hyster president of technology solutions, said in a news release. “The data we are collecting in the Port of Valencia pilot is a critical step to push the boundaries of what electrified container handling equipment can do, and recognition by the BIG Innovation Awards further validates these efforts.”
Terminals traditionally relied on diesel power for their fleets of vehicles, cranes, and container handlers as they are required to carry heavy loads continuously with minimal downtime. But electric alternatives that produce zero tailpipe emissions are gaining traction for container handling applications. The HFC-powered ReachStacker can lift laden containers with similar performance to a diesel counterpart and handle intense duty cycles with long run times. Hydrogen is stored on board the ReachStacker in high-pressure tanks that can be refilled in 10-15 minutes and provide enough energy for up to 10 hours of continuous runtime, Hyster said.
The BIG Innovation Awards identify and recognize organizations devoted to bringing new ideas to life. Judged by a panel of business leaders and executives, the awards honor those companies dedicated to paving a way for products, services, experiences, and solutions based on creativity, measurable results, and overall impact.