A new cluster to test hydrogen-powered port logistics equipment, namely Clean Port & Logistics (CPL), was created by the German port operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA).
The innovation cluster will support and accelerate both market maturity and integration into regular port activities in order to reduce emissions in port management and related logistics chains.
CPL brings together equipment manufacturers as well as port and logistics companies with academic partners, hydrogen renewable energy producers, software companies and operators and manufacturers of storage tank locations.
The components of the cluster are cooperating nationally to conduct research and practical tests on how hydrogen can be used reliably to power port technology and port logistics, according to HHLA’ announcement.
One of the key activities will be a test center for hydrogen-powered equipment at the HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort in Hamburg.
The cluster will be funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of a national innovation program for hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
“Port handling and heavy goods logistics will make their contribution to climate protection and improving the quality of life in urban areas,” said Angela Titzrath, chairwoman of HHLA’s executive board, who went on to add, “The key element here is the decarbonisation of logistics. That can also be achieved with the help of hydrogen as the operating energy. This is why I am delighted to be launching a cluster alongside committed partners to test this promising new energy source. CPL will provide an additional boost to the transformation process.”
It is important to note that the cluster will allow cooperation between sites and will support many ports in their efforts to further protect the climate.
