Hamburg is taking a further step toward improving air quality at its port. Innovative technology developed right here in the city is set to enable large and very large container ships to switch off their auxiliary diesel supplies, during lay time and instead draw the power they need for on-board operations, from a new kind of mobile generator.
Becker Marine Systems, Hapag-Lloyd AG and Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) have been testing the new technology, as part of a joint pilot project, since the start of the year.
Becker Marine Systems, Hapag-Lloyd and HHLA partnership
Together with Hapag-Lloyd, HHLA is using the project to intensify its efforts, in order to keep Hamburg’s air clean
Technology supplier - Becker Marine Systems developed the mobile power generator then partnered with Hapag-Lloyd and HHLA for the test phase. The Becker LNG PowerPac supplies eco-friendly power to container ships at the HHLA Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB).
Over the past few weeks, a prototype has been successfully tested multiple times, with some of Hapag-Lloyd’s giant 20,000 TEU container ships. Together with Hapag-Lloyd, HHLA is using the project to intensify its efforts, in order to keep Hamburg’s air clean.
Becker LNG PowerPac
Developed by Becker Marine Systems and its subsidiary - Hybrid Port Energy (HPE), the Becker LNG PowerPac is a compact system the size of two 40-foot containers. The unit comprises a gas-powered generator and an LNG tank, which provides the energy for the generator.
As soon as a container ship docks, a container gantry crane lifts the mobile 1.5-megawatt power generator from the quay into position at the stern of the ship. Once there, it is connected to the ship’s power system and can supply the electricity needed for on-board operations while the ship is docked.
Thanks to this innovation, harmful emissions, such as the sulphur dioxide, particulate matter and nitrous oxides that would normally be generated, while the ship is running on auxiliary diesel, can be either reduced significantly or avoided entirely.
Reducing harmful emissions at Hamburg port
Dirk Lehmann, the Managing Director at Becker Marine Systems, said “We can safely say that the pilot phase was a complete success, and we thank our partners for the great teamwork. The Becker LNG PowerPac represents a straightforward solution for the reduction of harmful emissions in the port and has the potential to be implemented internationally.”
Dirk Lehmann adds, “We are in conversation with a variety of European and Chinese ports, and we are confident that the Becker LNG PowerPac can be successful on the market.”
Funding for development of the new technology
Air pollution control is very important, especially in ports in densely populated areas"
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure awarded a seven-figure sum to fund the development of the new technology, as part of the government’s mobility and fuel strategy.
Enak Ferlemann, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, remarks, “Air pollution control is very important, especially in ports in densely populated areas. We, therefore, support sustainable and alternative power units, and innovations like the LNG power packs, which contribute to modernising shipping and reducing emissions.”
Alternative power supply for container ships
Frank Horch, Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, comments, “The use of PowerPacs as an alternative power supply for container ships, while on layovers in the port, makes a valuable contribution toward reducing harmful emissions in Hamburg.”
“As a global company based in Hamburg, we were more than happy to support the tests. Shoreside power is an important component in our extensive efforts to make our business even more sustainable,” said Anthony J. Firmin, the Executive Board Member for Shipping at Hapag-Lloyd.
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA)
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has acted as an expert partner and handling service provider for the project, since its launch in early 2016. Hamburg’s largest terminal operator defined the technical and process-related requirements for both - ship-side handling and the handling of the PowerPac at CTB.
Jens Hansen, the HHLA Executive Board Member, said “We are delighted to add our experience and expertise to this important pilot project for the Port of Hamburg. From what we can see, the tests have been very successful so far. PowerPac handling might well be integrated into our terminal processes.”
