Port of Hamburg Makes History with Shore Power for Containers and Cruise Ships

The Port of Hamburg in Germany has made history by becoming the first port in Europe to offer shore power for both container and cruise vessels. After years of supplying cruise ships with shore-side power, this technology is now being utilized for cargo ships as well. CMA CGM’s Vasco de Gama was the first containership to use shore power at Container Terminal Hamburg on May 13, 2024, following extensive testing of different systems and ships.

Moving forward, containerships will be able to draw electricity from renewable sources on land while at berth, reducing the need to run the ship’s engines. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in reducing CO2 and pollutant emissions in the Port of Hamburg. The city’s officials and industry partners are working together to promote sustainability and decarbonization in shipping, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving common goals.

With an investment of around €13 million, the shore-side power plant at Container Terminal Hamburg will provide electricity to three mega-ship berths with connections of 7.5 MVA each. The German government has subsidized 50% of the project’s costs, underscoring the commitment to cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions in the port. Plans are in place to expand shore power facilities to other terminals in the port, while ongoing tests will ensure the integration of additional ships and the adaptation of technical conditions to meet future requirements.

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