Hydrogen Fuel Cell ReachStacker from Hyster Begins Service at Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals in the Netherlands

Hyster has delivered a hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker to Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST), a facility the company describes as Europe's largest dedicated shortsea shipping hub.

The machine arrived at the Dutch terminal as part of a broader five-year innovation program exploring how hydrogen can decarbonize port and logistics operations, and it gives RST its first opportunity to run hydrogen-powered container handling equipment in daily terminal conditions.

The delivery is not a standalone equipment sale. It forms one half of a two-part demonstration that also includes a modular hydrogen refueling station, with both elements being tested in a live field lab environment rather than a controlled trial site.

The project brings together Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals, Berkman Energie Services, Hyster, STC Next and HarbourHUB under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) program, with additional support from the Province of South Holland and co-funding from the European Union.

How the Machine Is Built

The unit in question is a Hyster RSJ46-33XDH/62 ReachStacker, configured primarily for handling 45-foot containers, including open-top variants. To meet that requirement, the machine carries a specialized 45-foot spreader. Its drivetrain pairs a Nuvera 60-kilowatt fuel cell engine with a 130-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The fuel cell converts hydrogen into electricity, which supports the battery in powering the machine during intensive handling cycles.

This architecture allows the ReachStacker to operate with zero tailpipe emissions while retaining the power and uptime needed for demanding container work.

The ReachStacker also runs on the standardized Hyster software architecture shared across the company's other electric products. According to Hyster, this common platform delivers a consistent operator experience, a unified diagnostics capability, and a standardized service approach, simplifying support for fleets that mix different Hyster electric equipment.

A Field Lab Independent of the Grid

One of the distinguishing features of the JTF-backed project is its focus on demonstrating hydrogen integration in logistics and industrial processes independently of the electricity grid. The partners are developing a field lab in which the modular hydrogen refueling station and the Dutch-developed hydrogen ReachStacker will both be demonstrated in operation.

For RST, hosting the machine means its teams can accumulate practical operational experience with hydrogen-powered container handling in the demanding conditions of a working port environment. The project's stated aims extend beyond the demonstration itself: it is intended to contribute to carbon dioxide reduction, to inform future regulations and standardization, and to improve the energy balance within ports.

The five-year program is supported by the Province of South Holland and the Just Transition Fund, with the ReachStacker supplied by Hyster together with its local authorized dealer Heffiq. Heffiq will maintain the machine through its established service infrastructure and its expertise in port and terminal applications, while Hyster specialists will work alongside the dealer and the customer for the duration of the project.

What the Partners Are Saying

Lucien Robroek, President, Global Big Trucks at Hyster, positioned the delivery within the broader pressures facing terminal operators.

"Ports and terminals are under increasing pressure to lower emissions without compromising performance," Robroek said. "Hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to play an important role in applications where equipment must combine zero tailpipe emissions with the power and uptime required for intensive container handling. Working alongside RST and the wider project team will help further our understanding of how this technology can support the future needs of the industry."

At RST, CEO Arno Storm characterized the deployment as a present-day commitment rather than a long-term aspiration.

"For us, sustainability is not just an ambition for the future; it is about the choices we make today," Storm said. "This hydrogen refueling station and hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker allow us to explore the transition in practice. We want to play our part, learn along the way, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the generations to come."

Heffiq's Commercial Director, Martijn Veerkamp, emphasized the collaborative nature of the undertaking.

"RST has been a valued Heffiq and Hyster customer for many years, and we are proud to support them on this next step in their sustainability journey," Veerkamp said. "Projects like this depend on strong collaboration between customers, technology providers, and service partners. By combining our local expertise with Hyster innovations and RST's operational knowledge, we have been able to deliver a pioneering solution that will generate meaningful insights by working in a live terminal environment."

Training the Workforce for Hydrogen

The JTF program partners are pairing their technological investment with an investment in people. A joint experience center will train employees, students, and logistics professionals for the energy transition, with a specific focus on the safe and efficient use of hydrogen.

According to the company, the project provides a powerful impetus for the sustainable transformation of port logistics in Rotterdam and beyond. The Province of South Holland has also drawn attention to what the initiative means for the region.

"South Holland is at the forefront of the energy transition, and innovative projects like this hydrogen fuel cell-powered ReachStacker keep us there," said Jeroen van Dijken, South Holland Provincial Executive.

"We are creating opportunities to accelerate innovation by bringing together pioneering companies, educational institutions, and public partners. This strengthens our regional economy and prepares our workforce for the industries of the future. The knowledge gained through this initiative will reinforce South Holland's position as a leading hub for sustainable logistics and clean energy development."

The Company Behind the Machine

Hyster is a worldwide provider of forklift trucks and container handling solutions for heavy-duty industries, designing and manufacturing material handling equipment for applications that range from industrial warehouses and manufacturing facilities to ports and terminals. The company is backed by a global dealer network and nearly a century of experience in material handling.

Hyster Company operates as a division of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale, Inc. (NYSE:HY), which is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and operates globally.