EUR 42 million in German government funds for shore power in port

The German Ministry of Economics and Energy has announced EUR 42 million in funds for environment-friendly shore power in the Port of Hamburg, a press release said Friday (November 6, 2020). Container ships in particular could then avail of it during layover periods in the port. Costs of construction are likely to amount to EUR 72 million. 

Environment-friendly electricity for ships

"Now we can massively expand onshore electricity in Hamburg. The amount of government funding highlights the importance of the measures for sustainable development in Germany," said Michael Westhagemann, Senator for Economics. "We are pleased to be able to connect the ships to the grid in future and supply them with green electricity. This is an important contribution to achieving our climate protection goals and improving air quality."

Hamburg is aiming to become the first port in Europe to offer shore power supply for large container ships at the Burchardkai, Europakai and Predöhlkai terminals and at all cruise terminals. One shore-side power plant will be built at each cruise terminal in HafenCity (CC1) and Steinwerder (CC3). The plans also foresee cutting CO2 emissions and lowering the level of air and noise pollutants. Hamburg played a pioneering role in the supply of alternative energy with the construction of Europe’s first shore power plant for cruise ships at the Altona cruise terminal (CC2) in 2016.

Funds from Energy and Climate Fund

The shore-side power plant will be built under the leadership of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA). The German Ministry of Economics and Energy is putting EUR 42.43 million from the Energy and Climate Fund towards the total construction costs of EUR 75 million.

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