The Waltershofer Hafen has now been approved for the bunkering of methanol and liquefied natural gas  using the ship-to-ship method. This involves the direct transfer of liquid between two ships at sea. Ships can be supplied with these alternative fuels at the central container terminals Burchardkai and Predöhlkai.

With this step, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) is taking another important step towards more climate-friendly shipping and the implementation of energy and climate targets in the Port of Hamburg.

The first methanol-powered vessels are already in service worldwide, as are the first “ammonia-ready” ships, with more on order in international shipyards. Hamburg has also been called at by methanol-fuelled ships. These new vessel types require the necessary fuelling infrastructure (so-called “bunker-ready terminals”) to ensure availability of alternative fuels and safeguard the port’s future competitiveness.

In close cooperation with RWE Supply & Trading GmbH and other local stakeholders, HPA has carried out a comprehensive risk assessment and developed a detailed safety concept. These joint efforts have now paved the way for official approval of safe bunkering operations at the designated terminal locations.

Important contribution to the decarbonisation of shipping

The expansion of bunkering options for LNG and Methanol at Waltershof’s container terminals marks an important step in strengthening the attractiveness of the Port of Hamburg. By enabling methanol bunkering, the port is consolidating its role as a Sustainable Energy Hub and contributing to the implementation of agreed Green Corridor initiatives.

Since 2019, Cruise Center Steinwerder has already been equipped for LNG bunkering and, since 2024, for methanol as well – with a focus on the cruise sector. This has been implemented in partnership with MB Energy and Cruise Gate Hamburg.

HPA itself does not act as a bunker supplier. Bunkering operations are carried out by independent companies. The port authority has now created the necessary safety framework for approval of such operations. Discussions with several shipping lines on the use of the new bunkering infrastructure are currently underway.