LONDON: The first of two Alstom H3 hybrid shunting locomotives for Metrans, the open-access rail freight subsidiary of Hamburg Ports and Logistics (HHLA), has entered service in the Port of Hamburg. The three-axle 100km/h H3 is powered by a 350kW stage IIIB-compliant diesel generator and batteries, and is expected to spend between 50 and 70% of its operational time in battery mode.
The second locomotive is due to be delivered before the end of the year. The acquisition of hybrid shunters supports a target set by HHLA in 2008 to reduce CO2 emissions per handled container by 30% by 2020. Last year HHLA achieved a 29.5% reduction.
