Six hybrid RTGs arrive at Port Houston

A general cargo ship Happy Diamond recently delivered six hybrid-electric RTG cranes to Bayport Container Terminal, one of several RTG deliveries that will make their way to Port Houston terminals this year.

According to the port, hybrid RTG cranes (which have a Li-ion battery pack and an eco-efficient diesel engine) are more environmentally friendly compared to standard diesel-electric models, reducing NOx, PM, HC, and CO by 90%.

“The steady addition of hybrid-electric cranes to the fleet at Port Houston’s terminals reflects our commitment to continue to invest in landside infrastructure as well as our goal to reach carbon neutrality by the year 2050,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston.

As WorldCargo News previously reported, on March 5 seven hybrid-electric RTGs were delivered to the Barbours Cut Container Terminal.

Port Houston ordered 12 hybrid Konecranes RTGs for the Bayport Container Terminal in October 2022, alongside an additional 14 for the Barbours Cut Container Terminal. The deliveries started in the last half of 2023 and are set to continue until mid-2024.

The port returned to Konecranes in September 2023 with the order for five more Konecranes hybrid RTGs for Barbours Cut. Konecranes said at the time that the cranes would be delivered at the beginning of 2025.

In addition to RTGs, three new STS cranes are expected to be delivered to Port Houston this summer bringing this year’s total to 32 STS cranes and 147 RTGs across both facilities.

Furthermore, the Port’s Barbours Cut Container Terminal container yards 4 North and 5 North have recently undergone improvements, including the placement of strengthened concrete surfaces that will increase longevity. This project also added truck bypass lanes, enhancing safety within the terminals and increasing cargo handling efficiency.