Nine German seaports launched the ZeroEmisson@Berth project

31 December 2024

Port activities and shipping operations significantly impact air quality and the climate. The use of sulphurous, fossil-based marine diesel in both regular ship operations and power generation during berthing leads to substantial air pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions in and around the port. 

In spring 2021, representatives from nine German seaports joined forces to support the EU Green Deal by addressing decarbonisation and air pollution control. This collaboration resulted in the launch of the "ZeroEmission@Berth" project, involving the ports of Wismar, Rostock, Kiel, Lübeck, Brunsbüttel, Hamburg, Bremen, Niedersachsen Ports, and the Maritime Cluster Norddeutschland e.V. as a cooperation partner.

In May 2021, the nine seaports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), outlining the goals and work packages of their joint project. A primary objective was to find alternative technologies for providing onshore power supply (OPS) at berth, aiming for fossil fuel-free ship operations. Since short berthing times require specific solutions, an innovation competition was launched, inviting companies, developers, researchers, and interested parties to submit sustainable ship operation concepts. The ports committed to offering technical expertise, assessing the feasibility of submitted proposals, and potentially implementing pilot projects to maximise impact and learning. 

The winners of the awards showcased innovative solutions for emission-free energy in maritime settings. There were four different categories: in category A Concepts, Norway’s TECO 2030 AS developed a floating zero-emission power supply for ships, using fuel cell technology adaptable for ports, anchorages, and vessels in motion. In Category B Prototypes, Belgium's CMB Germany GmbH & Co. KG introduced dual- and mono-fuel systems that convert diesel engines to run on hydrogen, supporting emission-free and reduced-emission onshore power. Finally, in Category C Existing Solutions, Denmark’s Ballard Power Systems Europe and CS electric A/S created FCwaveTM, a scalable and quiet hydrogen-powered energy system optimised for ships and environmentally friendly port operations.

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