Image:Port of Hamburg
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has successfully converted its AGV fleet at Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in Hamburg to battery-powered drive. This strategic transition marks a significant step in HHLA’s commitment to eliminating fossil fuels from its operations.
In a noteworthy development during the fourth quarter of 2023, CTA phased out its last diesel-powered automated guided vehicle (AGV), completing the full transition to a fleet comprising 95 battery-powered vehicles running on green electricity. This revolutionary shift ensures that the entire container transport process, from ship to storage, is now completely electrified. Importantly, this move translates to substantial environmental benefits, with approximately three million liters of diesel saved annually, equivalent to slashing around 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Oliver Dux, Director of Technology at HHLA, emphasized the milestone, stating, “The completed switch to battery-powered AGVs at CTA underlines once more the pioneering role of CTA with regard to sustainability, as we avoid thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions every year thanks to the reduced diesel consumption.”
In August, CTA earned recognition as a climate-neutral company from TÜV NORD, highlighting its commitment to green practices. The container handling infrastructure, including 14 seaborne container gantry cranes, 52 portal cranes in the container block storage facility, and four rail gantry cranes, already operates on green electricity. Further experimentation involves the testing of battery-powered tractor units, with the ultimate goal of a complete electrification of the tractor unit fleet at CTA.
To offset the residual CO2 emissions from certain processes, HHLA utilizes compensation certificates. These certificates contribute to supporting certified, climate-friendly projects adhering to the Gold Standard of Voluntary Emission Reductions (VER). HHLA aims to continually decrease the reliance on compensation by actively collaborating with partners to develop innovative, sustainable solutions.
The AGV fleet’s conversion at CTA received vital support from Hamburg’s Ministry for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Agriculture, utilizing funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the “Energiewende in Unternehmen” research project. The project’s primary objective was to reduce CO2 emissions by enhancing the utilization of fluctuating renewable energies and improving energy supply efficiency.
This successful transition aligns with HHLA’s broader vision, as Oliver Dux affirms, “We will also continue to invest in the electrification of the equipment of the other HHLA terminals in order to achieve climate-neutral operations across the Group by 2040.”
Source:Port of Hamburg
