Port of Shanghai Installs Hybrid Gantry Cranes

Corvus Energy will provide the battery systems that power nine retrofit hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) produced by integrator CCCC Shanghai Equipment Engineering (CCCCSEE) for Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. (ZPMC), the world’s largest port crane manufacturer. These additional hybrid cranes will bring the overall total to 21 in the Port of Shanghai spanning three terminals: Yanshan, Waigaoqiao and Yidong – the largest installations of hybrid electric port equipment in the world.

Approximately 10% of the diesel fuel emissions from cargo handling equipment at ports are emitted by RTG cranes. CCCCSEE’s commitment to implementation of more efficient RTGs directly lessens the environmental impact of crane operations. The use of battery hybrid technology substantially reduces fuel consumption and harmful fossil fuel emissions.

How Hybrid Cranes Save Fuel:

?• Regenerative braking energy is captured and stored as electricity when a container is lowered. This recaptured energy is directed to the Corvus ESS, reducing the amount of power required from the generator.

?• In the conventional RTG configuration, the diesel generator undergoes periods of inefficient sustained idling, resulting in unnecessary fuel usage. With the Corvus ESS in place the diesel generator is shut down during traditional idling times, allowing the RTG to operate on “full electric” battery power.

Cranes equipped in this manner are proven in the field to operate at optimal efficiency. Unlike conventional diesel electric port cranes, the CCCCSEE hybrid version is powered primarily from the Corvus ESS resulting in fuel savings of up to 65% with the added benefits of reduced operating costs with less greenhouse gas emissions and lower noise levels at the terminal.

According to accepted standard emission calculations, an energy efficiency program that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 4,700 metric tons of CO2 per year has the same impact as removing 1,000 vehicles from the road. The 21 RTGs operating with Corvus ESS technology will eliminate 5,300 metric tons of CO2 per year equal to removing 1,143 cars from the road each year.

“We are pleased to see the proven operational performance of our lithium polymer batteries in some of the busiest container terminals in the world. Our strategic partnership with CCCCSEE to develop a cost-effective hybrid system and aggressive marketing plan for the port equipment market is the main driver of the continued success of our shared vision. This technology is an answer for busy port operators worldwide, who need to increase efficiencies while reducing emissions and the environmental impact of their operations” said Andrew Morden President & CEO Corvus Energy.  “We applaud the progressive decision-making by the managers at Yidong Terminal, this terminal has now become the single largest customer for the hybrid RTG system.” 

“CCCCSEE’s continued commitment to the development and implementation of advanced technology solutions for port operations supports our corporate vision to be industry leaders through engineering excellence. Corvus technology is a cornerstone of this strategy and the proven performance, durability and reliability of its battery systems is ideally suited to the demands of our industrial applications.” said Gao JianZhong, Chief Engineer, CCCCSEE. “Our port infrastructure partnership with ZPMC will enable significant market adoption of this RTG hybrid technology and support our goals toward significant worldwide growth in this business sector.”