Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has established Clean Port & Logistics (CPL) as an innovation cluster to test hydrogen-powered equipment in port logistics. The virtual kick-off event was attended by partner companies from all over the world on 28 October. The project’s goal is to investigate how hydrogen can be used to reliably power harbour technology and port logistics.
Angela Titzrath, Chair of HHLA’s Executive Board, welcomed the partner companies to the event, saying: “I am delighted that partners from various sectors, universities, cities and ports are working together in the Clean Port & Logistics innovation cluster. By pooling expertise across sectors, countries and continents, we have a shared opportunity to accelerate the transition to emissions-free heavy goods logistics and port operations. The best thing is that we are already shaping the future together today and thus setting another milestone in the decarbonisation of logistics.”
The innovation cluster aims to develop solutions for quickly bringing hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles and terminal equipment to market, as well as putting in place the necessary measures for their use. In practice, the concepts developed for operation, safety, repair, maintenance, refuelling, and supply are tested and optimised. In addition to theoretical research, the cluster conducts tests and develops training concepts.
Companies from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Estonia, and the United States are currently members of the cluster. As they gather the necessary information and practical experience, their participation in CPL will assist them in decarbonising their processes and making meaningful, climate-friendly investments. All interested companies are welcome to participate, and they can join the cluster, even after the kick-off event.
The CPL innovation cluster is centred on a test facility at Hamburg’s HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort, where hydrogen-powered equipment can be tested on actual port handling operations and heavy goods transport. The first equipment will be delivered in early 2023. Straddle carriers, empty container stackers, forklifts, reach stackers, terminal tractor units, and trucks are among the equipment classes planned for the test environment.
The cluster is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of a German hydrogen and fuel cell technology innovation programme.
