The Port of Hamburg is emerging as a key player in the handling and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), an area gaining traction with recent government initiatives. The federal government has moved forward with a draft bill to amend the Carbon Dioxide Storage Act (KSpG), aiming to establish a robust framework for CO2 pipeline infrastructure and offshore storage. This development signals a significant shift toward the acceptance and implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Germany, transcending the research phase and moving into practical application.
Evos, a company with extensive experience in CO2 handling, stands at the forefront of this transition. At the Port of Hamburg, CO2 is already a valuable commodity, particularly for the food industry. “Handling operations are mostly automated here,” says Jörg Bargest, Business Development and Commercial Manager at Evos. The current setup at Evos includes specialized tanks with a capacity of around 1,200 cubic meters. While initial unloading operations are manual, subsequent processes are fully automated, including further transport facilitated by tank truck drivers equipped with specific cards for independent operation.
Evos boasts a substantial storage capacity of 670,000 cubic meters spread across nine moorings, accommodating both maritime and inland transport needs. The company is not only focused on traditional petroleum products but is also aggressively pursuing the future of green energy. They have plans to expand their operations to include biofuels, green ammonia, methanol, and other hydrogen derivatives.
The potential for handling CO2 related to CCS plants is significant. Discussions are already underway with companies about future quantities and logistics. Bargest highlights the Northern Lights project in Norway as a potential use-case, showcasing Evos’ readiness to support both fossil and green CO2 handling and marketing.
With nine moorings and excellent inland transport facilities, Evos is well-positioned to manage CO2 storage effectively. The current infrastructure allows for dispatching up to seven full trains daily, alongside eleven loading platforms for tank trucks. The company is prepared to expand CO2 storage capacity by an additional 10,000 cubic meters if necessary. Despite limited space for extensive future expansions, the current setup is robust, ensuring seamless connectivity to the railway network, which is crucial for inland transport.
The future of CO2 handling at the Port of Hamburg will also depend heavily on political decisions regarding pipeline projects. Currently, other locations are prioritized for these projects, but Hamburg’s extensive railway infrastructure and inland ship links make it an ideal interim solution. The port’s strategic position and capabilities could handle up to 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year in an optimistic scenario, as per a study by DNV. Evos is geared up to meet these demands, underscoring Hamburg’s potential as a central hub in the burgeoning CO2 logistics sector.
