New regulations set to lower emissions in ports, terminals and heavy industry

Written by Nik Webb
Written on Monday, 01 November 2010

New regulations set to lower emissions in ports, terminals and heavy industry

New emissions regulations commencing in January 2011 are due to affect materials handling equipment used in ports, terminals and heavy industry in the EU and North America.  Antoon Cooijmans from equipment manufacturer Hyster explains the changes and how Hyster has reduced fuel bills by up to 15% as a result.

First of all, Tier 4i (interim) and Stage IIIB are North American and European Union (EU) emissions regulations.  Tier 4i is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions regulations for off-highway diesel engines in North America and Stage IIIB is the equivalent emissions regulations for the EU members.

How do the regulations affect Big Trucks?

From January 2011, all diesel powered equipment with power ratings of between 174 and 751 hp (130-560 kW) will be affected by both sets of regulations.  This means, for example, that all Hyster Big Trucks with lifting capacities above 16t (40,000lbs) at 1200mm, including container handlers and reachstackers, will receive new engines and system technologies.

The regulations require diesel engines to reduce Particulate Matter (PM) exhaust emissions by 90% and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) exhaust emissions by 45% compared with the current Tier 3 and Stage IIIA emissions standards.

How to achieve lower emissions levels

Achieving such low levels of exhaust emissions demands major investment in engine technology and involves the addition of new systems such as Particulate Filter aftertreatment and the use of ULSD (Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel) fuel. Hyster, for example, has worked with leading engine manufacturer Cummins to apply new engine technologies to its range of Big Trucks and is now the first Big Truck manufacturer with this technology ready to order.

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system used by Cummins combines today’s approach with high-pressure common-rail fuel injection and electronically controlled air and fuel management.  The cooled EGR system enables clean combustion and results in a reduction in NOx emissions to the required levels.

Particulate Matter (PM) is collected in a Cummins Particulate Filter and then oxidized by regeneration, in order to meet the requirements of the new legislation, with no impact on equipment operation.

Tier 4i / Stage IIIB also requires that crankcase emissions, also known as blowby gasses, be eliminated.  To achieve this, Cummins engines incorporate a highly efficient coalescing filter which returns the oil to the crankcase and provides the added benefit of removing oil mist and tiny oil droplets, ensuring that the engine and powertrain remain cleaner than at Tier 3.

Delivering low lifetime costs

These changes do have their advantages.  For example, with the Cummins Tier 4i / Stage IIIB engines, Hyster has demonstrated improved fuel efficiency compared to Tier 3 / Stage IIIA. Productivity has been enhanced, thanks to faster engine response, enabling Hyster equipment to work cleaner and quieter than ever before with reduced CO₂ emissions, helping users to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the truck.

In addition to the Cummins technologies applied to Hyster Big Trucks, Hyster has introduced various performance optimisation techniques to help reduce the total fuel consumption even further. The upgrades, for example, include a key-switch in the operator compartment, enabling the selection of different power modes with the opportunity to achieve a fuel saving of more than 15%.

2012 and beyond

Looking ahead, there are more regulations to follow and from January 2012, smaller trucks will be affected within the 75-hp to 173-hp (56 – 129 kW) power category. Hyster is now also working towards 2014 and 2015 when there will be additional steps to reduce emissions even further.

Ports, terminals and heavy industry do not have to change their existing equipment to meet the regulations, however, all new machine purchases in the EU and North America must comply.   As a global brand, Hyster will still be offering Tier 3 versions of its equipment in regions outside of the EU and North America.

For further information about the regulations and Big Trucks, visit www.hyster-bigtrucks.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .