Hybrid terminal tractor unveiled

ST Kinetics, the land systems arm of ST Engineering, has launched what it claimed is the world’s first commercially ready Hybrid Hydraulic Drive (HHD) enhanced port prime mover (terminal tractor) for port operators.

The company said that trials of the first HHD-equipped prime mover units have demonstrated a 20% reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventionally powered machines.

At a launch event, held this week at Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore, the company said that the hybrid systems have also demonstrated lower emissions and lifecycle maintenance costs.

ST Kinetics also announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cargotec to incorporate ST Kinetics’ energy regenerative hyPower HHD systems into Cargotec’s terminal tractors for sale globally.

A MoU was also signed between ST Kinetics and PSA Singapore Terminals (PSA) regarding its intent to trial the hyPower HHD system on PSA’s fleet of terminal tractors.

"PSA is committed to seeking new and environmentally-friendly ways of managing its operations in a sustainable manner," San Shang Hou, head of equipment engineering at PSA Singapore Terminals.

"The Hybrid Hydraulic Drive Port Prime Mover project is a promising step in our concerted efforts towards a greener society. We value our partnership with like-minded partners including ST Kinetics, and look forward to exploring more pro-environment technologies for our terminals while providing shipping customers with continued high service levels."

Sew Chee Jhuen, president of ST Kinetics, added: "ST Kinetics has been developing electric and hybrid solutions to help address global concerns regarding the environment. We are pleased to announce with today’s launch that we now have mature and commercially viable solutions based on advanced hybrid-electric and hybrid-hydraulic configurations for a wide selection of vehicle types with high cycles of ‘stop and go’ as part of their daily operation."

Mikko Vuojolainen, Cargotec’s VP terminal tractors, commented: "Since the beginning of prototype integration for our Kalmar terminal tractor, we have been very excited to assist in this effort. The first Kalmar terminal tractor with a hybrid capability was delivered to Singapore for field testing in October and has performed well. The hybrid package recovers braking energy and releases it during acceleration thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 15%."