Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has achieved a significant milestone at its Container Terminal Altenwerder in Hamburg by fully transitioning its Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) fleet to battery power. This move is part of HHLA’s ongoing initiative to systematically replace fossil fuel-dependent vehicles with eco-friendly alternatives.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Container Terminal Altenwerder retired its last diesel-powered AGV, completing the transition to a new fleet of 95 battery-powered vehicles operating on green electricity. This comprehensive electrification eliminates the need for fossil fuels throughout the entire container transport process, from ship arrival to container storage. By embracing battery-powered AGVs and substantially reducing diesel consumption, CTA achieves an annual saving of approximately three million liters of diesel, equivalent to mitigating around 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
In August, CTA earned climate-neutral certification from TÜV NORD, extending its commitment to sustainability. Notably, the container handling cranes and rail gantry cranes at CTA are already powered by green electricity, while trials for battery-powered tractor units are underway, with plans for the complete electrification of the tractor unit fleet. HHLA offsets the remaining CO2 emissions through compensation certificates, supporting certified climate-friendly projects aligned with the highest Gold Standard of Voluntary Emission Reductions (VER). The project received support from Hamburg’s Ministry for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Agriculture, utilizing funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the “Energiewende in Unternehmen” research initiative, aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing energy supply efficiency through the integration of renewable energies.
Image source: https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en/press/news/farewell-to-fossil-fuels-agv-fleet-at-cta-successfully-converted-to-battery-powered-drive/