Increasingly, ports are adopting technologies to reduce emissions and mitigate negative impacts on air quality from port operations. At the same time, ship owners and operators are expanding the number of electric and hybrid vessels in their fleets. This requires increased shoreside charging capacity and infrastructure within ports.
Batteries provide a clean energy solution.
Marine battery energy storage systems play a critical role in maritime decarbonization, both onboard vessels and within ports. Learn more about how batteries power port equipment and provide turnkey shoreside charging capacity for electric and hybrid vessels below.
Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes and other port equipment such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AVGs) produce approximately 20% of diesel fuel emissions from port cargo handling operations. Coverting or replacing port equipment with hybrid or electric powered alternatives is a viable solution to reduce both emissions and costs.
How hybrid diesel / electric RTG cranes work
Battery powered operations require zero fuel and produce zero emissions. Typically, battery energy storage systems serve as the primary power source for hybrid diesel / electric port RTG cranes. Batteries can also regenerate energy from energy negative crane operations such as the lowering of containers. The diesel generator serves as a secondary power source and to recharge the batteries.
Reduce fuel use, pollution and noise.
The primary cost saving associated with implementing hybrid port equipment is reduced fuel consumption. For example, hybrid RTG cranes powered by Corvus Energy battery systems typically decrease fuel usage by up to 65%. Additionally, battery powered operations reduce noise and chemical pollution.
Reduce maintenance and extend system lifetime.
Because batteries are the primary power source for hybrid RTG cranes, the generator size can be significantly smaller as compared to a traditional, diesel-powered crane. Using the diesel genset less also results in reduced maintenance and extended system lifetime.
Battery energy storage systems offer a turnkey solution to add shoreside charging capacity, while minimizing infrastructure changes. Battery systems also provide grid stabilizing and electricity cost saving benefits.
Grid stabilization is achieved by offsetting periods of peak power demand using battery power. Reduced electricity costs are possible by recharging the batteries during off-peak times when lower electricity rates are available.
Corvus is the leading provider of safe and reliable marine energy storage systems.
Worldwide, over 50% of all hybrid and fully electric maritime vessels are equipped with a Corvus system. We offer a full range of marine battery energy storage and fuel cell systems suitable for a variety of maritime applications, including port hybrid equipment and shoreside charging stations.
Powering hybrid port equipment
Corvus Energy marine battery energy storage systems already power over 186 hybrid RTG cranes worldwide. The vast majority are hybrid diesel / electric cranes. However, other solutions such as hydrogen fuel cells can also be used with battery systems to power hybrid cranes. Learn more about our experience.
Shoreside charging station example
Learn how Crowley and Port of San Diego will use Corvus Energy marine battery energy storage systems to provide shoreside charging capacity for a fully electric tugboat.