Hamburg, Germany – July 2025 – Flotte Hamburg, the fleet manager behind the Port of Hamburg’s vessel operations, is putting Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO 100) to the test as a cleaner alternative to diesel. The biofuel is now being trialed on three of its inland ships as part of the city’s broader strategy to cut emissions from maritime operations — especially where electrification isn’t yet practical.
The vessels undergoing HVO 100 biofuel trials include the “Hafenkapitän” (Harbour Master), “Deepenschriewer III” (a survey and sounding vessel), and the “Neßsand” (used for transport and inspection). These trials position Hamburg as one of the first major European ports to seriously explore advanced biofuels as a viable bridge to zero-emissions maritime transport.
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Clean Marine Fuel, Real Impact
The HVO 100 used in these trials is supplied by Friedrich G. Frommann GmbH & Co. KG and produced by SHELL, sourced entirely from food waste and completely free of palm oil. Fully compliant with EU Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) sustainability standards, the fuel offers up to 80% lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel.
As a “drop-in” fuel, HVO 100 can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, making it a practical and immediate solution to reduce maritime emissions. Additional benefits include:
- Cleaner combustion
- Reduced particulate matter
- Improved storage stability compared to first-generation biodiesel
Karsten Schönewald, Managing Director of Hamburg Fleet, emphasized the pragmatic necessity of this approach: “While Hamburg Fleet remains focused on electrification and innovative propulsion systems, we will only achieve our ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets by complementing these efforts with innovative fuels such as HVO 100. For inland vessels, HVO 100 currently represents the most pragmatic interim solution. We are proud to help establish HVO 100 as a fuel in Hamburg and to be one of the pioneers in the Port of Hamburg.“
If successful, the fuel could be rolled out across the entire non-electric fleet, building on Hamburg Fleet’s prior experience with Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) fuel and further cementing its leadership in sustainable port operations.
A Green Flagship: The “Hafenkapitän”
The “Hafenkapitän” will become the first non-electric vessel in Hamburg’s public fleet to operate in an almost CO₂-neutral manner—setting a high bar for other ports and municipalities across Europe aiming to decarbonize inland fleets.
Flotte Hamburg (Hamburg Fleet): Leading by Example
Established in 2017 as a subsidiary of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), Flotte Hamburg manages approximately 50 diverse vessels, including:
- Police and fireboats
- Hydrographic and dredging vessels
- Pilot boats and icebreakers
- General transport and maintenance units
With 130 dedicated employees—from crew members to skippers and onboard mechanics—the organization runs year-round to ensure smooth port operations.
Guided by its strategy, “Green Fleet Hamburg,” Flotte Hamburg is implementing an integrated decarbonization roadmap that includes:
- Electrification of new vessels where feasible
- HVO 100 and GTL fuel use in transitional phases
- Exhaust gas aftertreatment systems for retrofits
- Energy-efficient ship operation protocols
- Hydrogen propulsion R&D in partnership with Hamburg Technical University
This multi-track approach ensures that Hamburg’s inland maritime sector remains resilient, scalable, and environmentally responsible.
The Port of Hamburg: Gateway to the World, Committed to the Future
As Germany’s largest universal port, the Port of Hamburg handles over 130 million tonnes of cargo annually, supports 260,000+ jobs, and serves a market of 450 million consumers across Europe. Known as Europe’s largest rail port, it operates 2,000 weekly container train connections, with over 90% of hinterland shipments to key markets like Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic moving by rail.
Its 75 terminals, including specialized bulk and general cargo facilities, are supported by cutting-edge logistics, smart systems, and green infrastructure—all aligned with Hamburg’s role as a global trade enabler and a climate innovation hub.
A Model for Maritime Sustainability
The HVO 100 pilot program sends a clear message: pragmatic innovation can drive immediate environmental gains while paving the way for long-term zero-emission solutions. As Hamburg charts its course to climate neutrality, Flotte Hamburg stands at the helm—proving that sustainability at sea is not only possible, but already underway.
Source Hafen Hamburg (Port of Hamburg)