We view our dedication to sustainability as an exciting opportunity and an enriching endeavor for the future. In alignment with our decarbonization journey, we are focused on developing and implementing innovative technologies throughout the port. This includes a cross port charging infrastructure of shore power that supply cruise ships, container vessels, inland vessels, and local port vessels. The energy provided is sourced from renewable resources.
Port of Hamburg: A Pioneer in Maritime Decarbonization
The first shore power system in the Port of Hamburg launched in 2016 at Cruise Terminal Altona and has been supplying numerous cruise ships ever since. The HPA is committed to showcasing a strong model for a sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime industry in collaboration with the shipping companies, emphasizing the tangible benefits of adopting and integrating accessible green technologies in maritime operations.
Mission to improve air quality
By enhancing our shore power infrastructure in the Port of Hamburg, we are making significant strides in improving air quality and working towards our goal of a climate-neutral port by 2040. The use of shore power greatly reduces ship emissions while docked. Once vessels connect to the shore power system, they can meet their substantial energy needs entirely with green energy from the public grid. Our strategic vision for shore power in the Port of Hamburg aims to equip all major berths with the necessary infrastructure by 2030, achieving complete coverage by 2040, with support from federal funding.
Containerterminal CTT
Containerterminal CTB
Containerterminal CTH
Containerterminal CTA
CC1 Hafencity
CC2 (Altona)
CC3 (Steinwerder)
Port Energy Solutions focuses on projects and responsibilities relating to the Sustainable Energy Hub, the expansion of renewable energies, as well as shore power and electrification. We are driving forward the expansion of shore power for seagoing, inland vessels and supporting the transformation of fleets. Our colleges from Project Development and Project Management are responsible for the expansion of the shore power systems, focusing on green technology, to make it available to ship companies.
Our operations team is responsible for the implementation of shore power supply, ensuring a smooth process from registration to delivery.
Together, we aim to shape a sustainable maritime future.
Shore power is a viable solution; however, it is not applicable to every vessel or berth. We are committed to developing an infrastructure that meets specific needs.
Through our shore power solution, our clients can turn off their diesel engines while at the berth and utilize electricity from renewable sources. Together, we aim to make a statement for a sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime industry that is founded on green technology.
The second update of Hamburg’s Clean Air Plan (Hamburger Luftreinhalteplan) (https://www.hamburg.de/contentblob/9024022/7dde37bb04244521442fab91910fa39c/data/d-lrp-2017.pdf) defined shore power as an essential long-term strategy for enhancing air quality. In recent years, significant efforts have been undertaken to ensure that most of the proposed shore power installations are functional by 2024. By commencing the expansion of shore power at an early stage, Hamburg is strategically positioned to comply with the Europe-wide FuelEU Maritime directive, which mandates the utilization of shore power by 2030. This forward-thinking strategy guarantees that the shore power facilities will be fully operational by the year 2030.
In 2023, the European Union (EU) implemented the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which governs the application of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transportation. This regulation mandates the use of shore power or emission-free technologies while vessels are at berth. Starting in 2030, there will be an Europe-wide requirement for container and cruise ships exceeding a gross tonnage of more than 5,000 to utilize shore power. Acceptable alternatives to shore power include the deployment of on-board batteries, fuel cells or renewable energy sources.
EU level
National level
Due to the different dimensions of container ships and the resulting berthing positions on the quay, the ship connection systems are designed to be movable. This functionality allows for the shutdown of diesel engines while the vessels are at berth, significantly aiding in the reduction of air pollution.
In 2025 with launching at HHLA CTA Terminal.
The Registration for the shore power supply conducted through the shipowner or the Port Agent.
The order for the required energy must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Hamburger Energiewerke (green power)
In order for a vessel to be regularly supplied with shore power, a valid certificate (IEC-80005-1 standard) from the installation is required from the ship. The shore power team is willing to assist shipowners with certification during the integration test at the initial connection/supply. Prior to this, a Compatibility Assessment between the HPA and the shipowner/vessel is necessary. Our operational team will exchange the required documents with the ship operators at least two weeks before the arrival. An integration test will only be scheduled upon successful review.
Once the Compatibility Assessment confirms that the technical requirements of the shore power installation and the OPS-unit on the vessel are met, an integration test will be scheduled. During this test, the vessel will be connected to the shore power installation, and a checklist of technical parameters will be reviewed. After successfully verifying all items on the checklist (e.g., emergency stop), the vessel can be supplied with power.
Shore power supply may occur interrupted due to weather conditions, such as flooding, storms, or other extreme weather events that pose a risk to personnel and equipment.
Yes, at the Eurogate Terminal, three ship connection systems have been installed to cover the berths of large vessels at Eurogate.
Each converter station can deliver 7.5 MVA. The ship connection systems can supply two vessels simultaneously with a maximum of 4.0 MVA each.
Due to the different dimensions of cruise ships and the resulting berthing positions on the quay, the ship connection systems are designed to be movable. This functionality allows for the shutdown of diesel engines while the vessels are at berth, significantly aiding in the reduction of air pollution.
The Registration for the shore power supply conducted through the shipowner or the Port agent.
The order for the required energy must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Hamburger Energiewerke (green power)Hamburger Energiewerke (green power)
In order for a vessel to be regularly supplied with shore power, a valid certificate (IEC-80005-1 standard) from the installation is required from the ship. The shore power team is willing to assist shipowners with certification during the integration test at the initial connection/supply. Prior to this, a Compatibility Assessment between the HPA and the shipowner/vessel is necessary. Our operational team will exchange the required documents with the ship operators at least two weeks before the arrival. An integration test will only be scheduled upon successful review.
Once the Compatibility Assessment confirms that the technical requirements of the shore power installation and the OPS-unit on the vessel are met, an integration test will be scheduled. During this test, the vessel will be connected to the shore power installation, and a checklist of technical parameters will be reviewed. After successfully verifying all items on the checklist (e.g., emergency stop), the vessel can be supplied with power.
Shore power supply may occur interrupted due to weather conditions, such as flooding, storms, or other extreme weather events that pose a risk to personnel and equipment.
A supply of external power during the lay time if vessels at Port, usually via cable from a power source on the quay to an on-board socket. Therefore, the German federal government already included 2017 shore power supply for Sea- and Inlandports in the Maritime Agenda of 2025.The German federal states are responsible for infrastructure measures and therefore for the construction and operation of shore power facilities.
16, 32, 63 and 125 Ampere
Contact information:
shorepower@hpa.hamburg.de
Project Video:
The future of shore power in the port of Hamburg
Press release:
Häfen arbeiten zusammen, um Schiffsemissionen am Liegeplatz zu reduzieren
HPA beginnt mit dem Bau weiterer Landstromanlagen und startet Informationsaustausch
