Ocean Network Express (ONE) has signed an agreement with the Hamburg Port Authority to begin using shore power at major container terminals. This marks ONE’s first shore power commitment in Europe and supports Hamburg’s goal of full electrification by 2025.
Munich/Hamburg, June 3, 2025 — In a pivotal move toward decarbonizing maritime operations in Europe, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and Ocean Network Express (ONE) have formally signed an agreement to supply container ships with shore power at Hamburg’s major terminals. The agreement was sealed during the Transport Logistic 2025 trade fair in Munich, marking a significant milestone in the Port of Hamburg’s efforts to establish itself as a leader in clean shipping infrastructure.
The signing ceremony brought together Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs; Friedrich Stuhrmann, Chief Commercial Officer of HPA; and Takahiro Kikuchi, Managing Director of ONE (Europe) Ltd.
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A Major Step for Green Port Operations
As of May 2024, Hamburg has been actively supplying shore-side power to both cruise and container ships, reducing reliance on onboard generators while docked. This move not only slashes greenhouse gas emissions but also dramatically cuts local air pollution and noise levels.
The agreement with ONE further strengthens Hamburg’s port-wide electrification strategy. The city aims to have shore power systems installed at all container terminals by the end of 2025, reinforcing its climate-neutral and future-ready goals.
“When container ships obtain clean electricity from shore power plants, this is an important contribution to sustainable logistics — and a benefit for Hamburg,” said Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs. “ONE is thus making an active contribution to improving air quality. Hamburg shows: port operations and climate protection can go hand in hand — reliably, in partnership and with an eye to the future.”
ONE: First Shipping Line to Commit at CTB and CTA
The agreement makes Ocean Network Express the first global carrier to commit to shore power usage at the HHLA Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) and Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA), both of which are currently being equipped with advanced shore power systems.
The port already has functioning shore power facilities at the Eurogate Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH) and HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT), and ONE has actively participated in integration testing to prepare its vessels for seamless plug-in operations.
“We are pleased to actively contribute to the expansion of shore power for container ships in Hamburg,” said Takahiro Kikuchi, Managing Director of ONE (Europe). “This operation marks a significant milestone as it represents ONE’s first shore power utilization in Europe. It’s a crucial step toward ensuring our vessels comply with the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which will mandate shore power connectivity at EU ports starting in 2030.”
Kikuchi added that early commitment to Hamburg’s shore power system reflects ONE’s broader mission to accelerate Scope 1 emissions reduction and drive the global shift toward sustainable shipping.
A Growing Knowledge Base and Operational Experience
According to Friedrich Stuhrmann, CCO of the Hamburg Port Authority, experience gained since the launch of the port’s shore-side systems in 2024 has been invaluable:
“Since the go-ahead for shore-side power supply for container ships was given in May last year, both we and the shipowners involved have gathered a wealth of experience. We are delighted that ONE is now also using our new systems and that they are determined to contribute to lower emissions and more climate protection in the port.”
This deepening cooperation between port authorities and carriers supports the scaling up of shore power as a bunkering alternative — not in the form of fuel, but as a direct energy source to eliminate emissions while ships are docked.
Regulatory Readiness and Long-Term Impact
The agreement directly supports compliance with the FuelEU Maritime initiative, which will require all major EU ports to provide shore power and all ships to utilize it by 2030. Hamburg is staying well ahead of that curve — with infrastructure rollout scheduled to complete five years earlier.
The move also aligns with broader IMO decarbonization targets, the EU Green Deal, and Germany’s national climate objectives. The port’s infrastructure investments are being matched by shipping lines like ONE that are upgrading their fleets and onboard systems to be shore-power ready.
About Hamburg Port Authority (HPA)
Since 2005, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has served as the central management body for Germany’s largest seaport. It is responsible for infrastructure development, port operations, safety, and sustainable planning. HPA leads innovation in port digitization and environmental performance and represents Hamburg’s port interests globally.
About Ocean Network Express (ONE)
Headquartered in Singapore, Ocean Network Express (ONE) is one of the world’s largest container shipping companies. With a fleet of over 260 vessels and service coverage to more than 120 countries, ONE is committed to operational excellence and sustainable shipping practices across the global supply chain.
Source Ocean Network Express