German Seaports Demand New CO2 Concepts

The German seaports are positioning themselves for the introduction of a European CO2 emissions limit at berth for all sea and inland vessels. At the same time, the responsible parties in the port companies express skepticism about whether the EU’s proposal for expanding shore power is the right approach to sustainably reduce shipping emissions.

(Hamburg/Rostock) Literally, the position paper ‘ZeroEmission@Berth’ signed by all port companies states: “Grid-connected shore power systems can be an effective solution for reducing emissions from sea and inland vessels during their stay in port, provided they are powered by 100 percent renewable energy, but this is not feasible for every port, every berth, and every ship.”

The EU Commission’s proposal would result in multi-billion euro expenditures for shore power systems at the approximately 550 berths for sea vessels in German ports. These costs would have to be borne by taxpayers and privately operated ports, without the ship operators, who are responsible for the emitted emissions, being significantly involved. At the same time, only selected ships would have to use the existing systems. This would create a situation where a ship at a berth with a shore power system must use shore power, while another, unregulated ship could continue to burn fossil fuels.

Zero Emissions at Berth by 2030

In July 2021, the EU Commission published the ‘Fit for 55 Package’ with the aim of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. It sets specific requirements for ships at berth. From 2030, certain types of ships will be required to achieve zero emissions at berth, with shore power, batteries, and fuel cells defined as possible solutions. This approach is supported by the German seaports but should fundamentally be technology-neutral to allow for the use of fuels from renewable energies, for example. These fuels offer the possibility to reduce CO2 emissions and air pollutants not only at berth but also during navigation, thus in a significantly greater measure. About 95 percent of emissions from shipping occur during sea travel. Only five percent can be attributed to the stay in port.

In the position paper, the German seaports offer the shipping industry to jointly seek solutions for emission-free berthing times beyond grid-connected shore power systems.

ROSTOCK PORT Supports a Technology-Neutral Approach

“ROSTOCK PORT supports a technology-neutral and scalable approach regarding the CO2-free or CO2-neutral energy supply of ships during their stay in port. Technical solutions should be designed to consider the entire emissions balance of the ship and promote the path to emission-free shipping. Different solutions from shore power, the use of synthetic fuels, and battery operation in shipping are possible and are already being tested and applied in Rostock today. With the ‘ZeroEmission@Berth’ initiative, we want to further advance this process and contribute as a catalyst for joint solutions,” says ROSTOCK PORT Managing Director Jens A. Scharner.

Innovation Competition Starts in February

To find and learn about suitable concepts, an innovation competition will be announced. With this, the German seaports are jointly seeking innovative ideas, concepts, and technology-neutral solutions that demonstrate alternative energy supply approaches for ships at berth, which may also contribute to emission reduction during navigation.

The innovation competition will start in February 2022. The seven-member jury will consist of representatives from shipping companies, associations, and academia. This innovation competition will be accompanied by the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany.

Further information at: www.zeroemissionatberth.com

© HHM / Michael Lindner© HHM / Michael Lindner