Port of Hamburg will offer shore-based power supply from 2023

October 10, 2019: Port of Hamburg will become the first port in Europe to offer shore-based power supply both for cruise liners and mega-containerships from 2023. Hamburg’s state government has approved a large-scale expansion of shore-based power supply in the Port of Hamburg with a total investment of around 76 million euros.

Completion of the shore-based power units is planned for 2022, with regular operation from 2023.
The option will create conditions to shift from shipboard diesel power supply to ecological electric power during lay times, making available an alternative power supply during ships’ lay times in port.

Peter Tschentscher, Hamburg first mayor said, "Expansion of shore-based power supply units in the port represents a significant and tangible step towards greater climate and environmental protection in Hamburg. Use of regenerative power from these units will totally eliminate existing CO2 and pollutant emissions from vessels during lay times. With today’s decision, we are giving shipowners clarity and planning certainty for the essential refitting of their vessels. With our shore-based power project, we in Hamburg are acting as a role model and pioneer for other European ports in making maritime logistics as a whole more climate-friendly."

Shore-based power will be available for containerships at a total of eight connection points located at Burchardkai, Europakai and Predöhlkai. In addition, availability of shore-based power will be extended to all existing cruise terminals. A shore-based power supply point will be constructed at HafenCity - CC1 and Steinwerder - CC3. The first such unit for cruise ships in Europe has been located at Altona Cruise Terminal ever since 2016.

All shore-based supply units will be connected to the power grid, in future supplying vessels with regenerative current that will be converted at a central facility to normal shipboard 6.6 kV voltage and 60 Hz frequency, and fed to the connection points from there.

Use of shore-based power will make a significant contribution towards attainment of climate targets in the shipping sector. The investment totals around 76 million euros. Completion of the shore-based power units is planned for 2022, with regular operation from 2023.