MSC signs agreement to supply shore power to container vessels
18 Jun 2024 13:00 Environment
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) vessels will be supplied with shore power in Hamburg. The company has signed an agreement with the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) to supply power to MSC cargo vessels at the Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH).
This makes MSC the first shipping company to use shore power for both cruise and container ships. Other shipping lines are expected to follow suit in the near future. In addition, the other container terminals in the Port of Hamburg are currently being equipped with shore power systems.
By expanding the shore power supply for both cruise and container ships, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is sending a clear signal in favour of greater environmental protection and is also increasing the port's attractiveness with regard to the constantly growing global demand for climate-neutral and environmentally friendly logistics chains.
Hamburg's Minister of Economic and Labour Affairs, Dr Melanie Leonhard, said: "The expansion of the shore-side power supply is an important project in the port for lower emissions and more climate protection. We are now working together to promote this technology: Hamburg is installing the technology on land. But we also need ships that use electricity from renewable sources and shipping companies that create the necessary conditions. We are in good talks with the Port of Hamburg's customers about this. The fact that MSC, the world's largest container shipping company, is joining us in this endeavour is an important step towards greater climate protection in the port.
Friedrich Stuhrmann, Chief Commercial Officer of the HPA: "After signing a Memorandum of Understanding with MSC Cruises last June on the use of shore-side power in the Port of Hamburg, I am delighted that MSC now wants to work with us to make shipping and port operations more environmentally friendly by using shore-side power for container ships in the Port of Hamburg."
Nils Kahn, Managing Director of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Germany: "Hamburg and its port are important to us. That's why we are happy to take advantage of the Hamburg Port Authority's offer to use shore-side electricity for our ships when they are at berth. As MSC, we are pleased to be able to contribute to improving the air quality in the Hanseatic city. As an international transport company, we see it as our responsibility to reduce CO2 emissions through innovative measures. This is another step on our way to net-zero and a more sustainable future.
The CTH installation, completed this year, has three connection points, each with a capacity of 7.5 megavolt amperes. The electricity used is 100 per cent renewable. The plant was financed in roughly equal parts by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg with support from the German government. The total cost of the installation is around 14 million euros.
In the cruise sector, the HPA has already concluded agreements with the Carnival Group and the shipping companies TUI Cruises, Fred Olsen, Princess Cruises, Phoenix Reisen and Norwegian Cruise Line for the use of shore-side electricity. In April 2024, a new shore power system for cruise ships will go into operation at the Cruise Centre Steinwerder. The new cruise terminal in HafenCity is currently under construction and will be equipped with a shore power system from the outset; the terminal is expected to be completed in 2025.
Schiffe der Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) werden in Hamburg künftig Landstrom beziehen.
