Corvus Energy Bags Hybrid Cranes Order

Corvus Energy, the manufacturer of energy storage solutions for marine industry, has won an order from CCCC Shanghai Equipment Engineering (CCCCSEE) covering the supply of energy storage systems for battery-hybrid RTG (rubber-tired gantry) cranes.

The order is for various retrofit and newbuild deliveries by CCCCSEE affiliate ZPMC in Chinese ports, said a press release from the Canada-based provider of purpose-engineered energy storage solutions for marine, oil & gas and port applications

Corvus Energy, with primary operations in Vancouver and Bergen (Norway) has previously supplied Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for 48 RTG cranes through CCCCSEE. This is the first order booked by the Corvus Energy Asia office located in Singapore.

The benefits of hybrid powered port cranes are substantial. Unlike conventional diesel electric port cranes, the hybrid version is powered primarily from the Corvus battery package resulting in fuel savings of up to 65%. The added benefits of reduced operating costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower noise levels at the terminal make a very attractive business case, says Corvus.

The Orca Energy ESS stores regenerative braking energy captured as the RTG crane lowers a container—a high-current charge that most battery systems cannot sustain.

The stored energy is used to power the RTG crane during operations such as trolley and gantry movement, allowing the diesel engine to be shut off when it would traditionally be idling or operating inefficiently at low loads. The size of the generator can be smaller, the generator can be used less often and its operation optimized for fuel efficiency.

“Corvus Energy has definitely shifted the economics and viability of converting diesel port equipment to battery-hybrid electric with its Orca Energy systems,” said Gao Jianzhong, Chief Engineer, CCCCSEE.

“Exceeding all requirements and expectations, Corvus ESS technology is a cornerstone of our future strategy for technological advancement. Through previous deliveries they have proven that the performance, durability and reliability of its battery systems are ideally suited to the demands of our port equipment,” Gao added.

“The design and performance of Corvus Orca Energy enables the ESS to support aggressive load profiles with a significant reduction in cost,” says Pradeep Datar, VP Sales Corvus Energy Asia.

“We expect the market for battery-hybrid RTG crane applications will continue to grow as leading port equipment suppliers such as CCCCSEE prove the technology’s efficacy to significantly reduce emissions. There is significant retrofit potential with existing RTG cranes in global ports, in particular in Asia which operates half the world’s roughly 10,000 RTG cranes. Further, there is an upward trend for hybrid and all-electric RTG cranes in new orders. Corvus technology continues to provide solutions for progressive port operators worldwide who seek to increase efficiencies while reducing emissions and the environmental impact of their operations,” he added.