New “Port Development Plan” for the Hanseatic City of Hamburg presented: What takes a long time will eventually become something … or not? After all, the development plan should outline nothing less than the future of Germany’s largest goods transshipment center until 2040. In terms of sustainability and future technologies, it can be said … An important goal: The port in Hamburg should be climate-neutral by 2040.
Focus on digitization, climate protection, infrastructure, area strategy
“As a city, we are committed to having an efficient universal port that is characterized by goods handling, cruise shipping and efficient logistics and a broad industrial base,” said Leonhard. Accordingly, the plan is divided into the chapters of digitization, climate protection, infrastructure, settlement and area strategy, transformation of work, e-commerce as a new business field and city and port.
The port area itself is divided into five central areas. This includes, for example, container handling and the raw materials industry in the far west or another area that is primarily concerned with the import, handling and further distribution of renewable energies such as e-fuels, green hydrogen or ammonia.
Port wants to become climate neutral by 2040
“We will need modern terminal infrastructure for the import of these modern energy sources, some of which are intended to replace gas in industry,” said Leonhard.
In terms of balance, the port is to become climate-neutral by 2040.
Port of Hamburg sustainability goals
The Port of Hamburg works closely with port companies, logistics companies, shipping companies, authorities and other stakeholders to continuously improve sustainability. Sustainability reports are prepared regularly to document progress and identify further actions that can be implemented.
The Port of Hamburg has taken various measures in recent years to achieve its sustainability goals. Here are some of the key aspects that the port values in terms of sustainability:
- Emission reduction: The port aims to significantly reduce its CO2 emissions. There are initiatives to promote the use of environmentally friendly means of transport such as electric vehicles and the use of renewable energy in port facilities. In addition, the port is working on the development of shore power systems to supply ships with electricity from the grid, thus minimizing the use of diesel generators.
- Alternative fuels: The Port of Hamburg supports the use of alternative fuels in shipping, in particular the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional marine fuels. LNG bunker stations have been built in the port to meet the need for environmentally friendly fuels.
- Protection of the environment and biodiversity: The port has implemented programs to protect the environment and biodiversity. This includes the renaturation of areas, the creation of habitats for animals and plants and the monitoring of water quality.
- Circular economy: The port encourages the shift to a circular economy to use resources more efficiently and reduce waste. Recycling and disposal systems have been implemented to improve waste management at the port.