The Hamburg Port Authority in Germany and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding  to collaborate across a range of port priorities including decarbonization, safety and cruise.

The MOU, signed November 7, 2024, will see the two port authorities increase cooperation across multiple key areas: maritime decarbonization; safety; digital practices and new technology; and cruise operations.

Work under the MOU will include assessing readiness to support alternative fuel bunkering, improving safety with new technology like drones, using predictive analytics to optimize operations, data governance and cyber security best practices, and opportunities for sustainable cruise port accreditation.
The two port authorities will also create new opportunities for employees to gain practical experience with the daily challenges and practices at the partner port.

Both ports are major gateways for their respective countries:
• The Port of Hamburg is not only the largest seaport in Germany and the third largest in Europe, but also Europe’s largest rail port – even leading worldwide in many areas of hinterland connections by rail. At the same time, it is the largest industrial area in northern Europe. The port thus bears a great responsibility for both the people who work here and for the environment.

• The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest and North America’s most diversified port, helping Canada and Canadians thrive every day. Its 29 major terminals and more than 1,000 tenants move about $300 billion in trade every year across four sectors (auto, bulk, break-bulk, container), as well as support cruise operations.

“I am delighted to have signed this agreement with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. This further expands our network of partners who want to work with us on the decarbonization of maritime transport,” says Jens Meier, CEO of the HPA. “In addition, Vancouver is a valuable sparring partner for us in the exchange on efficient cruise handling within the city.”

“The Port of Vancouver is key trade hub for Canadians and their businesses, and we are thrilled to partner with the Port of Hamburg on work that will improve operations, sustainability and safety at both ports,” said Peter Xotta, President and CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We look forward to working in collaboration with our partners in Hamburg to improve efficiency, sustainability and innovation at both ports—in support of Canadians and Germans.”