Metrans has begun operating its first new hybrid shunting locomotives at the Port of Hamburg.
Metrans, the rail subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), has received the first of two new Prima H3 shunting locomotives from Alstom, with the second due sometime in the second half of this year.
The Prima H3 units produce 50 per cent less C02 compared to older shunting units, says Metrans. The quantity of harmful gases, like nitrogen dioxide, will be reduced by up to 70 per cent.
Metrans said it would also be possible for the shunting locomotives to operate on up to 70 per cent battery power for some functions.
Jan Hendrik Pietsch, sustainability officer of HHLA, 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 per cent per handled container by the year 2020, and we managed to almost completely hit that target last year by achieving a 29.5 per cent reduction.”
