Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 27, The Port of Bilbao has begun real-world testing of the H2TowTractor, a hydrogen-powered towing vehicle developed to reduce emissions in high-intensity logistics operations. This marks the first operational deployment of the technology at a working port.

The vehicle uses a retrofit kit that can be installed on existing tow tractors, allowing rapid conversion to zero-emission hydrogen operation without replacing entire fleets. In the current trial, the kit has been fitted to an ATA E405AC tractor, commonly used in ports and airports where continuous high-power performance is required.

The plug-and-play system combines a hydrogen fuel cell with a lithium-ion buffer battery, delivering the power and range needed for demanding environments while overcoming limitations of battery-only electric vehicles, such as long recharging times.

The H2TOW project, funded by EIT Urban Mobility, is led by a consortium that includes the Modena Energy and Sustainable Development Agency (AESS), ATA Tow Tractors, Arco Technologies S.R.L., the Agro-Food Center of Bologna (CAAB), and the Basque Mobility and Logistics Cluster.

Testing is supported by the Port of Bilbao as part of its decarbonization strategy. Bunge Ibérica is hosting the initial demonstration at its terminal within the port. Renewable hydrogen is supplied by Petronor, with on-site refuelling managed by IBIL, a joint venture between Repsol and the Basque Energy Agency (EVE).

The project aims to promote hydrogen as a practical energy carrier for industrial transport, develop cost-effective retrofit solutions using proven technology, simplify regulatory approval processes, and increase confidence in hydrogen safety and reliability.

By enabling existing vehicles to switch to clean hydrogen power through straightforward modification, the H2TowTractor offers ports, airports, and logistics centers a flexible pathway to meet environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency. The Bilbao trial provides valuable real-world data to support wider adoption of the technology across similar high-intensity sites.