Revolutionizing Port Operations with Zero-Emission Power

Ports and the maritime industry are engaged on a transformative shift toward greater productivity and efficiency. The American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) commitment to resilience, decarbonization and electrification is leading the way for federal policy advocacy, setting the stage for a new era of cleaner, greener port operations. As this transition unfolds, one thing is clear: The time for strategic investments in clean power at ports is now.

The POWERS Program: A Gamechanger for U.S. Ports

AAPA’s Port Opportunities with Energy, Resilience, and Sustainability (POWERS) Program is helping U.S. ports maximize federal funds for sustainable investments. The program guides port authorities and terminal operators along their journey toward electrification and decarbonization, focusing on establishing new, clean infrastructure that aligns with the global movement toward carbon neutrality.

That infrastructure includes the generation, distribution, and storage of hydrogen, a versatile energy carrier that offers unmatched energy density compared to battery-powered vehicles and equipment. As “portable electricity,” hydrogen can be made from many feedstocks, and vehicles powered by hydrogen are refueled in minutes – far more quickly than electric vehicles can be charged.

In January 2025, Nuvera’s director of corporate development, Gus Block took the stage with industry leaders at the AAPA POWERS Summit and Expo, discussing the state of both conventional and electrified trucks and cargo handling equipment. Together, they examined the opportunities associated with alternative fuels like hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives such as methanol and ammonia, and explored the challenges of scaling up electrified fleets at a time when grid constraints already curtail port operations. The panel underscored the growing momentum in the industry as hydrogen fuel cells continue to prove their viability for high-performance port and maritime operations without requiring major charging infrastructure and substation upgrades, or the need for long periods of downtime to recharge.

Charging Ahead with Hydrogen Fuel Cells

As a pioneer in clean power, Nuvera has been instrumental in advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology and meeting the evolving needs of ports and terminal operators for over 25  years. Together with its parent company Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, we’ve deployed more than 500 fuel cell vehicles, including lift trucks and other cargo-handling equipment.

These hydrogen-powered vehicles are already making waves at major ports worldwide. Deployments of toploaders, reachstackers, and terminal tractors powered by Nuvera are underway at the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Valencia, and the Port of Hamburg. More are planned in the coming year.

In addition, Nuvera’s mobile fuel cell genset and EV charger — HydroCharge™ — provides both AC power and Level 3 fast charging for battery electric equipment or EVs arriving at ports. This hydrogen powered mobile unit can help mitigate the need for costly power infrastructure updates, providing flexible fuel supply options, whether through on-site hydrogen generation, offsite refueling at a nearby station, or delivered gaseous or liquid hydrogen. This versatility of hydrogen is crucial for seamless integration into existing port operations, allowing for ‘wet-hose’ refueling from a fuel delivery truck and avoiding the need for hours of downtime for battery electric vehicle recharging.

The widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in port operations hinges on bold policy initiatives and continued infrastructure investment. The Hydrogen Demand Initiative and EPA Clean Ports Program are among the federal programs addressing the increasing demand for hydrogen and supporting the development of the necessary infrastructure. The Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit (45V) has also provided essential flexibility in what feedstocks can be used for hydrogen production, removing uncertainty and creating a more favorable environment for investors and developers to dramatically lower hydrogen costs.

Deserving immediate attention by U.S. ports is the funding from the MARAD Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). The application deadline is April 30, 2025 and hydrogen and fuel cell infrastructure and equipment are eligible. Get in touch with Nuvera to learn more about our offerings and to let us know how we can assist with your PIDP applications.

Under the leadership of AAPA and other industry associations, ports and municipalities are focusing on real-world execution by:

• Working proactively to streamline the permitting process
• Advocating for incentives such as grants and tax credits to enable the widespread adoption of clean power solutions
• Reviewing stationary and mobile power solutions for port equipment, vehicles and ships
• Understanding the relevant codes and experiences of ports that have already integrated fuel cell solutions
• Discussing active implementations among peers in the ports industry

By familiarizing themselves with the experiences of cities already engaged in hydrogen initiatives, ports can take steps to avoid delays and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter, Greener Future

As hydrogen technology continues to evolve and fuel cell deployments multiply, the maritime industry is at the threshold of a cleaner, more sustainable future. The opportunities for ports to embrace hydrogen fuel cells and other alternative power solutions can drastically reduce emissions and transform the way goods are transported around the world and from Port to Home.

By investing in hydrogen-powered, zero-emission equipment, ports and terminal operators can not only meet regulatory requirements but lead the way in creating a greener, more efficient global economy. The transition to hydrogen is more than just a technological shift — it’s a way of doing things. At Nuvera, we’re proud to be among those leading this exciting transformation, providing the technology that will power the ports of tomorrow, today.

Visit AAPAPowers.com to learn more about the POWERS Program. For more information about our port vehicles and equipment, please contact us.