Hamburg advances its alternative fuels strategy

Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has confirmed that ship-to-ship port bunkering operations can now be carried out at the Burchardkai and Predöhlkai container terminals.

The new approval allows the direct transfer of methanol and liquefied natural gas (LNG) between vessels, creating vital infrastructure for climate-friendly shipping.

“This decision strengthens Hamburg’s position as a Sustainable Energy Hub and ensures our competitiveness in an era of alternative fuels,” said a spokesperson for the Hamburg Port Authority.

Alt fuels ready

The expansion comes as methanol-powered ships and ammonia-ready vessels begin entering global service, increasing the demand for ports with bunker-ready terminals.

With methanol bunkering now approved, Hamburg joins the growing list of international ports aligning with Green Corridor initiatives designed to accelerate decarbonisation in the shipping sector.

The approval follows a detailed risk assessment and the development of a robust safety framework, carried out in cooperation with RWE Supply & Trading GmbH and other stakeholders.

This framework ensures secure handling of LNG and methanol, safeguarding both the port community and the environment.

Since 2019, Cruise Center Steinwerder has been equipped for LNG bunkering, with methanol capabilities added in 2024 in partnership with MB Energy and Cruise Gate Hamburg. The latest approval at Waltershof extends these capabilities to container shipping.

While HPA itself does not supply fuel, the port authority said that independent companies will carry out bunkering operations. Talks with international shipping lines are already underway.