Author: Nicole de Jong

Decarbonising the maritime sector is seen as one of the major challenges in the coming years. Policymakers and industry associations have set ambitious climate targets. But how can these be achieved without compromising the stability of the energy supply? This is where Ingenion comes in. With practical concepts, technical expertise, and a strong network of partners, the Hamburg-based engineering firm pursues an approach based on a decentralised and independent energy supply.

It is designed to be both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The company, which has its roots in the oil and gas industry, has been involved in infrastructure projects for more than twenty years and develops, among other things, concepts for the use of hydrogen in the logistics sector. Ingenion positions itself as a practical solutions provider, supporting projects from the initial idea through to commissioning.

Energy supply via decentralised grids

One focus at present is the concept of a ‘green port’. According to Ingenion, there is no standard recipe here – every solution must be tailored to the specific operator and their infrastructure. Possible options range from electric solutions for harbour launches to hydrogen or hybrid solutions for tugs, as well as flexible shore power connections and alternative fuels such as methanol.

One forward-thinking component is the microgrids – decentralised networks that can supply energy independently of public grids. This form of energy supply not only allows costs to be better calculated, but also ensures the provision of critical infrastructure – a decisive advantage for the smooth operation of terminals and ships. Microgrids can also enable new business areas to be established that would otherwise be impossible or delayed by years due to insufficient grid connection capacity.

Pioneering work in Cuxhaven

Hydrogen projects in Cuxhaven, for example, demonstrate how innovative technologies can be successfully implemented in maritime operations as well. A two-megawatt electrolysis plant has been established there to produce green hydrogen, which is now being used to power the transport vessel ‘Coastal Liberty’. Seen as a trailblazing project, the propulsion operates quieter, produces no emissions, and is more eco-friendly than conventional alternatives. The Ingenion group was involved not only in the planning, but also as an investor and operator.

‘The experience gained in Cuxhaven can, in principle, also be applied to the Port of Hamburg and adapted to the specific local circumstances,’ says Ulf Lemke, Head of Hydrogen at Ingenion. However, the Port of Hamburg presents challenges: there are long-established structures, a mix of different developments, and, at its heart, maritime operations. Nevertheless, solutions exist to allow each area to achieve carbon neutrality without compromising on the security of the energy supply. Contrary to conservativem shortterm political assessments, the market, according to Lemke, already offers numerous emissions-free options that are commercially viable and ready for deployment today.