A hydrogen-powered van carrier has entered service at Hamburg's Tollerort Container Terminal. Since late September 2025, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has been conducting real-world trials with the fuel cell vehicle. The Clean Port & Logistics cluster provides the scientific framework for the pilot project.
Modular Drive System Proves Its Worth
A new generation of container handling equipment started operations at Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT) on September 29, 2025. The Konecranes van carrier draws its power from a fuel cell system. Its modular architecture allows straightforward conversion between hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen powertrains.
Initial operational data looks promising. Handling performance matches that of hybrid-powered units. The system delivers rapid response times – a critical requirement in time-sensitive terminal operations.
The logistics group reports that the technology meets the performance benchmarks set by conventional drives, even in heavy-duty applications.
Refueling Infrastructure Already in Place
The vehicle refuels at the existing hydrogen station at CTT. The process closely resembles conventional fueling operations. HHLA is simultaneously developing training programs to prepare staff for working with the new technology.
Industry Consortium Accelerates Market Readiness
The Clean Port & Logistics (CPL) innovation cluster brings together more than 40 corporate partners. Their shared objective: bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty terminal equipment to commercial maturity. Working groups are developing frameworks for operations, safety protocols, maintenance schedules, and supply chain logistics. The CTT test site serves as the validation platform for these concepts.
"We're achieving performance levels comparable to conventional powertrains," confirms Dr. Volker Windeck, who heads hydrogen projects at HHLA. All findings from field trials are systematically captured and shared across the cluster network.
Hubert Foltys, head of van carrier operations at Konecranes, sees significant potential: "Hydrogen represents a promising energy source. Our collaboration with HHLA generates practical insights that are invaluable for product development." The business relationship between both companies spans several years.
Federal Funding Supports Infrastructure Development
Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) is providing approximately three million euros through the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. The funds support both cluster activities and refueling infrastructure.
Through its "Balanced Logistics" sustainability strategy, HHLA targets company-wide climate neutrality by 2040. The group is systematically electrifying facilities and equipment across its European operations. Where direct electrification reaches technical or economic limits in heavy-duty applications, hydrogen serves as the decarbonization solution. In a recent interview, project manager Karin Debacher outlined the transformation pathway and identified remaining challenges on the road to zero-emission port logistics.
