Page 2 - Port of Hamburg Magazine - 02.18

Dear Readers,
The Universal Port of Hamburg stands for some mightily impressive statistics. Around 18,000 calls by ocean-going and inland waterway ves- sels per year, nearly 300 berths and around 50 handling facilities specialized in clearing an enormous variety of cargoes make Hamburg Europe’s third largest port. One unique fact is that Hamburg’s port lies at the heart of the city. That gives port operators and service providers tremendous responsibility for protecting the en- vironment and keeping the air pure. Handling companies, terminal operators and industrial ac-
tivities based in the port have in recent years implemented comprehensive meas- ures. That’s made an impact. Statistics from the Ministry of the Environment & Energy indicate that the commitment of private port operators alone has saved 60 million kilowatts of power output and avoided over 76,000 tons of CO2 per year.
Hamburg has set itself ambitious goals on climate and assigned extraordinary pri- ority to environmental protection. One essential project backing voluntary effort here is known as the ‘UmweltPartnerschaft Hamburg’, for promoting voluntary environmental protection in business & industry. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, this has been reconciling economic and ecological targets since 2003. Port business is involved in this commitment. Current projects aim at further im- proving air quality in the port, developing ecologically efficient ship propulsion systems, optimizing shore-based power supply for ships, and boosting the pro- portion of e-mobility at terminals.
The International Maritime Organisation has also set itself ambitious targets for climate protection. In April the IMO decided that shipping would by 2050 have at least halved global CO2 emissions. Imposition of a cap on sulphur emissions from 2020 was decided back in 2016. In shipping, the new regulations are speeding up development of technical innovation and alternative fuels. They also represent an immense challenge for the entire shipping industry, one that must be mastered within a relatively short period. Yet the goal is vital. All these measures lead to a tremendous reduction in pollutant emissions. The environment and especially, the inhabitants of ports and coastal areas will profit.
This issue of ‘Port of Hamburg Magazine’ gives you a small glimpse of numerous climate protection projects in Hamburg and the Metropolitan Region. I trust that we have found the right mix of topics to make an enjoyable read for you.
Axel Mattern
Joint CEO, Port of Hamburg Marketing
© www.mediaserver.hamburg.de/Nicole Keller
© HHM/Marc Ihle