Hydrolog

In the search for a sustainable energy source for transport, hydrogen is increasingly seen as an alternative for fossil fuels. The use of hydrogen mostly focusses on transport of public roads, rather than internal transport means, like fork lifts, straddle carriers, cranes, etc. The high costs and the limited amount of internal means of transport are two reasons many companies would not want to invest in hydrogen.

Mobile hydrogen filling station

The project ‘Hydrolog’ has taken a closer look at the possibilities of hydrogen for internal means of transport and the use of a mutual mobile hydrogen filling station, which would supply several companies. The mutual cost or a service model offers economies of scale and could reduce the costs for the participating companies.

Results

• VIL has successfully tested a terminal tractor and a forklift on hydrogen, as well as a mobile hydrogen filling station at two locations in the port of Antwerp.
• The demonstrations have shown that hydrogen can be safely used as a zero emission fuel for heavy logistic equipment.
• Hydrogen-powered vehicles are technically and operionally perfectly usable .
• It is clear that for logistic operations where electric vehicles are less suitable, hydrogen is a zero emission and low noise alternative for diesel.
• This project has shown that it is possible to get a license to store and refuel hydrogen, even in an environment with high safety requirements.
• Implementing hydrogen does however have a significant impact of the business organization and its internal safety procedures.

In this project VIL cooperates with WaterstofNet.