The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has signed an agreement with the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) to supply its cargo ships with shore power at the Hamburg Container Terminal (CTH).
This makes MSC the first shipping company to use shore power for both cruise and container ships, with other companies expected to follow. Hamburg is currently expanding shore power systems at all its container terminals, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and enhancing its port’s appeal in the global logistics market.
The shore power plant at CTH, completed this year, features three connection points with a total output of 7.5 megavolt amperes, using electricity entirely from renewable sources. The project, costing around 14 million euros, was co-financed by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the federal government.
Additionally, HPA has existing shore power agreements with several cruise companies, and new shore power systems are being implemented at various cruise terminals, with the HafenCity terminal expected to be completed by 2025.
During the 2023 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Theodosia Digalaki, Technical Product Manager, ERMA FIRST, shared the following benefits of shore power:
- Reduction of air pollutants
- Alternative maritime power (AMP) can have positive ROI depending on local electricity rates.
- When AMP is combined with power source from Renewables (such as Solar or wind energy) the carbon footprint could be eliminated.
- Vibration and noise on board is eliminated which means that seafarers’ life conditions are also improved.
- Not using auxiliary engines at berth means longer life cycle and less maintenance costs.
Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Dr. Melanie Leonhard, emphasized the significance of this project in reducing emissions and promoting climate protection. She highlighted the collaborative effort required, with Hamburg providing the technology and shipping companies like MSC utilizing renewable energy.
Moreover, Friedrich Stuhrmann, HPA’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed delight in MSC’s commitment, noting the importance of making port operations environmentally friendly.
As MSC, we are pleased to contribute to improving air quality in the Hanseatic city. As an international transport company, we see it as our responsibility to reduce CO2 emissions through innovative measures. This is another step on our way to net-zero and a more sustainable future.
… said Nils Kahn, Managing Director of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Germany
