Ports of Hamburg and Vancouver sign MoU to support alternative fuel bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) in Germany and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate across a range of port priorities including alternative fuel bunkering, decarbonization, safety, and cruise operations.

The MOU, signed November 7, 2024, will see the two port authorities increase cooperation across multiple areas: maritime decarbonization; safety; digital practices and new technology; and cruise operations.

Work under the MOU will include assessing readiness to support alternative fuel bunkering, and improving safety with new technology like drones.

Furthermore, the partners will collaborate on using predictive analytics to optimize operations, data governance and cyber security best practices, and opportunities for sustainable cruise port accreditation.

The two port authorities will also create new opportunities for employees to gain practical experience with the daily challenges and practices at the partner port.

“I am delighted to have signed this agreement with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. This further expands our network of partners who want to work with us on the decarbonization of maritime transport,” said Jens Meier, CEO of the HPA.

“In addition, Vancouver is a valuable sparring partner for us in the exchange on efficient cruise handling within the city.”  

“The Port of Vancouver is key trade hub for Canadians and their businesses, and we are thrilled to partner with the Port of Hamburg on work that will improve operations, sustainability and safety at both ports,” stated Peter Xotta, President and CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

“We look forward to working in collaboration with our partners in Hamburg to improve efficiency, sustainability and innovation at both ports—in support of Canadians and Germans.”

To remind, the Port of Hamburg recently signed an MOU with the Port of Shanghai to establish a green shipping corridor.

The aim is to accelerate the decarbonization of maritime transport by working with technical equipment suppliers, energy suppliers, cargo owners, terminals and shipping companies.

Specifically, the agreed objectives include providing suitable shore power connections to all container terminals in every port, promoting the supply and use of environmentally friendly fuels, encouraging technical equipment suppliers, energy suppliers, cargo owners, terminals and shipping companies to commit to the objectives of the green shipping corridor, and sharing knowledge and information to support the objectives of the corridor and promote best practices.

In the same month, the port also inked an MOU with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) to support port operations, port development, and workforce capacity building.

Through the MOU, the parties have expressed their intent to promote best practices by regularly exchanging knowledge, expertise and best practice solutions. The focus will be on developing approaches to port management, building capacity, and driving technological advancements within the maritime sector.