Hong Kong International Terminals takes delivery of 10 huge hybrid RTGs

HUTCHISON`s Hong Kong International Terminals (HIT) has taken delivery of 10 huge hybrid rubber-tyre gantry cranes (RTGs) bringing its total number of RTGs to 136 for Hong Kong`s leading container terminal.

The one-over-six model RTGs have a lifting capacity of 41 tonnes and are expected to be deployed operationally later this month. The new machines increase the number of hybrid cranes at the terminal to 49, alongside 53 electric cranes and 34 diesel-driven units.


"The arrival of the cranes is part of our ongoing effort to strengthen yard operations and enhance overall operational efficiency. They will fit nicely into the newly converted yard area that was renovated to accommodate hybrid and electric RTGs," said Ivor Chow, HIT managing director.


"We expect to complete the conversion of our remaining diesel-driven cranes into either electric or hybrid models next year," he added.


Hybrid RTGs are fitted with a battery, and the cranes recycle power by storing energy that is generated when lowering containers and using that power to hoist containers. These machines also use a smaller engine than diesel-driven RTGCs, and as a result, the need for maintenance of the engine and electrical drive components is reduced.


HPH, a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Limited, is the world`s leading port investor, developer and operator.