In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable maritime transport, the Port of Trelleborg, the Port of Lübeck, and the German ferry company TT-Line have announced plans to establish a green shipping corridor between Lübeck-Travemünde, Germany, and Trelleborg, Sweden. The corridor aims to eliminate the use of fossil fuels by 2040, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing the shipping industry.
The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 13, 2024, during this year’s Port of Lübeck Meeting held at the Lübeck Music and Congress Hall. This initiative falls in line with the Clydebank Declaration, a commitment to sustainable shipping signed by both Germany and Sweden, as well as the EU’s “Fit for 55” strategy.
The collaboration, supported by the transport ministries of both countries, seeks to not only establish an innovative platform for information exchange but also to influence the entire transportation chain to prioritize sustainability. Concrete projects and activities will be developed jointly to achieve these goals.
As an initial step, the ports of Lübeck and Trelleborg will enhance shore power infrastructure, while TT-Line will convert four ships in its fleet to utilize shore power, thereby completely eliminating CO2 emissions during their time in port.
The Green Shipping Corridor Lübeck-Travemünde Trelleborg will focus on various aspects, including hinterland transport, port operations, shipping, and the development of business models and incentives to promote CO2 savings. Additionally, efforts will be made to establish indicators that characterize a green corridor effectively.
Jörgen Nilsson, CEO of the Port of Trelleborg, emphasized the importance of collaborative solutions in addressing climate challenges within the maritime sector.
Hannes Conzen, Managing Director of TT-Line, highlighted the necessity of such initiatives in meeting climate targets, stressing the need to extend these efforts throughout the entire transportation chain.
Ortwin Harms, Managing Director of the Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft, reiterated the importance of proactive engagement with partners in the transport chain, underscoring the significance of the MoU signing. Guido Kaschel, Head of the Lübeck Port Authority, emphasized the holistic approach towards achieving climate-neutral transport in the Baltic Sea, furthering the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation initiatives.
With this collaboration, the Port of Lübeck and the Port of Trelleborg are leading the way towards a greener future for maritime transport, setting a precedent for sustainable shipping practices in the region and beyond.
Source Port of Trelleborg