The Port of Hamburg has announced that the Waltershofer Hafen has been approved for the bunkering of methanol and liquefied natural gas (LNG) using the ship-to-ship method.
This involves the direct transfer of liquid between two ships at sea. The port can supply ships with these alternative fuels at the central container terminals Burchardkai and Predöhlkai.
The port reported that the first methanol-powered vessels are already in service worldwide, as are the first “ammonia-ready” ships, with more on order in international shipyards.
Methanol-fuelled ships have also called at Hamburg. These new vessel types require the necessary fuelling infrastructure (so-called “bunker-ready terminals”) to ensure availability of alternative fuels and safeguard the port’s future competitiveness.
In close cooperation with RWE Supply & Trading GmbH and other local stakeholders, HPA has carried out a comprehensive risk assessment and developed a detailed safety concept.
These joint efforts have now paved the way for official approval of safe bunkering operations at the designated terminal locations.
By enabling methanol bunkering, the Port of Hamburg is reportedly consolidating its role as a Sustainable Energy Hub and contributing to the implementation of agreed Green Corridor initiatives.
Last month, the Ports of Gdańsk and Hamburg announced they are deepening cooperation to address shared challenges in European trade, security, and maritime innovation.