July 02, 2025

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Material Handling Systems Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, President: Shinya Saitoh, a fully owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.) has started delivery of automated RTG (Rubber-Tired Gantry) cranes to Aomi Container Terminal, marking the first usage of such cranes at the Port of Tokyo. These cranes can convert to use hydrogen fuel cells, enabling the complete elimination of CO2 emissions during use.

■First automated RTG at the Port of Tokyo
Sumitomo Heavy Industries Material Handling Systems will deliver a total of 26 automated RTG for installation at the Port of Tokyo’s Aomi Container Terminal in 4 stages. STEP 1 has already seen the installation of the first 8 units. The introduction of automated RTG will help to improve the working environment for operators, increase the productivity of operations, and heighten workplace safety.

■Conversion to hydrogen fuel cell use
The automated RTG being installed at Aomi can be converted to use hydrogen fuel cells instead of an engine generator. This will support the development of a hydrogen supply infrastructure, eliminate all CO2 emissions during RTG usage and help to establish a carbon neutral port in line with The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s target of “creating an internationally competitive port by proceeding with decarbonization.”

*Even prior to conversion, the equipped SYBRID SYSTEM®＋ (high capacity storage battery + very small engine) can cut CO2 emissions by 70% compared to conventional systems. Note: SYBRID SYSTEM®＋ is a high performance version of SYBRID SYSTEM® (regular capacity storage battery + small engine).

■Future schedule
It is planned to deliver a total of 26 units by February 2030 (STEP 2: 7 units by August 2027, STEP 3: 6 units by November 2028, STEP 4: 5 units by February 2030).

Since achieving the world’s first actual operation of automated RTG in 2005, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Material Handling Systems has put customers’ needs above all else and delivered dozens of units. To continue our contribution to the port industry, we will strive to develop even better automation technologies.