Mabanaft to supply hydrogen for Fairplay Towage’s tugs in Hamburg

German energy company Mabanaft has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with compatriot Fairplay Towage Group to supply hydrogen to their new tugs in the Port of Hamburg from 2025.

The MoU between Mabanaft and Fairplay Towage marks the start of a long-term strategic cooperation. Under the agreement, Mabanaft plans to supply Fairplay Towage’s hydrogen needs in the Port of Hamburg.

To enable the use of hydrogen-powered tugs, not only hydrogen but also the corresponding infrastructure for bunkering must be provided.

Mabanaft Group, a supplier of marine fuels and operator of tank terminals in the Port of Hamburg, intends to supplement its range of marine fuels with hydrogen and to use its tank terminals in Hamburg for this purpose, in order to be able to supply Fairplay Towage with hydrogen.

Hydrogen is considered one of the keys to the decarbonization of the shipping sector, as it offers an emission-free alternative to conventional fossil fuels.

“This agreement with Fairplay Towage is an important step on the road to achieving carbon neutral shipping in the port of Hamburg and we are proud to be working together to decarbonise the industry,” said Volker Ebeling, Senior Vice President New Energy, Supply & Infrastructure at Mabanaft.

In November 2022, Mabanaft announced its intention to build an ammonia import terminal in the Port of Hamburg. This was considered the first step in the development of New Energy Gate, a terminal for sustainable hydrogen products that will make it possible for Hamburg to import large quantities of climate-friendly energy.