Metrans, the Rail Subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), is reacting to the growing shunting volumes at Europe’s largest rail port by increasing the number of its own shunting locomotives by two to five, HHLA said on Thursday.
The Company has opted for the modern hybrid technology of the Prima H3 locomotives from Alstom, meaning that for the first time in the world a hybrid locomotive will be used for heavy-duty shunting on a permanent basis.
Roger Mahler, Managing Director of Metrans Rail (Deutschland) GmbH, said: “The two Prima H3 shunting locomotives will help us to cope with the increasing shunting volumes at the Port of Hamburg. We are pleased by the locomotives’ high performance and environmental friendliness, which we will be able to make use of in our shunting collaboration with other rail operators at the port. This makes the Port of Hamburg, the largest rail port in Europe, even more efficient.”
Metrans today acquired the first of two hybrid shunting locomotives from Alstom, with the second due to be delivered in the second half of 2016. Compared to classic shunting locomotives, the Prima H3’s hybrid engine produces up to 50 percent less CO2, while other harmful substances (such as nitrogen dioxide) may be reduced by up to 70 percent. Depending on the assignment, the shunting locomotives can run on battery power from 50 to 70 percent of the time that they are in operation. This means that fuel consumption is also reduced by up to 50 percent. The locomotives can reach a top speed of 100 kph.
Jan Hendrik Pietsch, Sustainability Officer of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, said: “Sustainable business practices are very highly valued by Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG. The two new hybrid shunting locomotives fit into the packet of measures that we have put together and help us to fulfil the obligations that arise from it extremely well. In 2008, we set ourselves the ambitious goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30 percent per handled container by the year 2020, and we managed to almost completely hit that target last year by achieving a 29.5 percent reduction.”
About HHLA
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is a leading European port and transport logistics group. With its Container, Intermodal and Logistics segments, HHLA is positioned vertically along the transport chain. Efficient container terminals, high-capacity transport systems and a full range of logistics services form a complete network between the overseas port and its European hinterland.