Hamburg – a SMOOTH PORT for lower CO2 emissions

With the SMOOTH PORTS project, Hamburg is actively seeking a further and sustainable reduction of CO2 emissions in the port area.

Represented by the German Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Transport and Innovation (BWVI), Hamburg has been Lead Partner of the SMOOTH PORTS project since August 2019, which is funded by the EU with just under €1 million as part of the Low Carbon Economy INTERREG programme. The cross-border cooperation of INTERREG Europe projects aims to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion within the EU. In addition to the Hanseatic city and the Port of Hamburg Marketing eV, the administrations of the ports of Nantes Saint-Nazaire (FR), Livorno and Monfalcone (IT) as well as Varna (BG) are also on board.

Through active involvement of all actors in the supply chain, from administration, port operators and logistics companies, SMOOTH PORTS aims to reduce CO2 emissions from port operations. To this end, the specific differences between the various partner ports should be used to facilitate an exchange on the best strategies and practical tips. The main focus here is the development of optimal processes for the testing and approval of goods and the associated traffic flows. The goal is to design these processes so that they do not pose an unnecessary burden on people and the environment.

Another focus is on possible solutions of modern information and communication technology for port logistics, as well as on the use of alternative fuels in port traffic. A comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches will show which approaches are particularly effective.

The joint efforts of the various administrative authorities, public institutions and port logistics companies will create synergies that will benefit everyone involved.

For more information visit www.hafen-hamburg.de

18th November 2019