BREEZE Launches with Successful Kick-Off Meeting in Hamburg
The BREEZE project (Berth Electricity for Zero Emission in Ports) officially launched with a high-impact two-day kick-off meeting on 14–15 May 2025 in Hamburg, Germany. Hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the project brought together representatives from nine European partner regions to accelerate the deployment of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems — a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to decarbonize maritime transport and meet the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) targets by 2030.
The meeting opened with a welcome from Lutz Birke, Director-General for Port and Innovation in the Hamburg Ministry of Economic and Innovation, who emphasized the importance of OPS in reducing emissions and improving air quality in port cities. The first day featured a comprehensive round table where each partner presented their regional OPS strategies, challenges, and innovations.
Hamburg, represented by Miriam v. Woedtke, Head of Shipping Division in the Hamburg Ministry of Economic and Innovation, and Hanno Bromeis, Head of Port Energy Solutions, Hamburg Port Authority, showcased its leadership in OPS deployment, including systems at the Altona Cruise Terminal and Burchardkai. These installations use different technologies — from trench-based cable systems to rail-mounted cable drums — and were funded with €100 million from federal and city sources. The Ports of Azores presented a feasibility study for modular OPS units across three ports, estimating a cost of €6.79 million. While technically viable, challenges include limited green energy and reliance on a single power provider. Rotterdam outlined its national OPS strategy, built on nitrogen reduction, AFIR compliance, and support for inland and battery-electric shipping. All inland and cruise terminals are already equipped, though grid congestion and stakeholder coordination remain issues. HAROPA, managing ports along the Seine, shared its OPS progress in Le Havre and Rouen, supported by national programs like France Relance and France 2030. Funding remains a key concern for further expansion. Serbia’s Port Governance Agency plans to begin OPS deployment at Belgrade’s passenger terminal next year. The main challenge is securing funding and selecting the appropriate voltage. Flanders, represented by the Department of Mobility and Public Works, has yet to install OPS but includes it in its 2030 port strategy. High investment costs and coordination with grid operators are major hurdles. Valenciaport Foundation reported no current OPS systems but plans installations at its container and passenger terminals. Spain’s national strategy mandates 50% green energy use and full port electrification by 2030, though grid and funding issues persist. Slovenia’s Port of Koper aims to equip 326 meters of quay wall with OPS, focusing on the Ro-ro terminal. Limited space and integration with the power grid are key challenges.
Later in the day, a site visit to the Altona Cruise Terminal allowed participants to see Hamburg’s OPS system in action, followed by a harbor tour and networking dinner at the historic Hamburger Elbspeicher. These informal settings fostered deeper collaboration and exchange among partners.
The second day, held at the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, began with a welcome by Minister Dr Melanie Leonhard. Administrative sessions led by Gunnar Platz from PLANCO Consulting clarified roles, reporting requirements, and procurement rules under the INTERREG framework. Johannes Betz from Port of Hamburg Marketing outlined communication strategies, including participation in EU policy learning platforms and public outreach via digital channels.
The two workshops explored both economic and operational dimensions of OPS. Dr. Martin Albers, Department for Port Policy and Port Development, Hamburg Ministry of Economy and Innovation, presented the financial case for OPS in Hamburg, while Maximilian Riedel, Regulatory Affairs Manager of the globally operating shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, offered a user perspective, noting that 30% of the company’s fleet is already OPS-capable. He highlighted challenges such as the cost of using OPS versus burning boil-off gas (BOG) on LNG vessels and emphasized the need for greater OPS availability in ports to drive adoption. Participants discussed international comparisons, including mandatory OPS use in California and regulatory frameworks in China.
Breakout group discussions tackled three core themes: funding and financing, infrastructure planning, and OPS operation. Key takeaways included the need for targeted funding instruments, clearer legal responsibilities between ports and terminals, and standardized risk-sharing mechanisms for OPS testing. The groups identified EU programs such as CEF, AFIF, and the Innovation Fund as potential sources of support, while also noting administrative burdens and mismatches between funding timelines and technical project phases.