Innovation driver duisport – Climate protection: Preliminary study for a hydrogen switcher in the Port of Duisburg

“The mobility sector is a primary building block for achieving Europe’s climate targets. As Europe’s largest hinterland hub, we take our commitment to the large-scale reduction of emissions in our industry very seriously. In this context, we become active at many different levels,” explains duisport CEO Erich Staake.

Pilot project with an eye to the future – The Port of Duisburg (duisport), together with the DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) and the ZBT (Zentrum für Brennstoffzellen-Technik), is committed to the development and start-up of a hydrogen switcher. A milestone for the long-term prevention of greenhouse emissions and the further development of environmentally-friendly transportation.

The project will cost EUR 185,000 in total. The funding commitment for 50 percent of the costs has now been officially approved by the Ministry for Innovation, Digitization and Energy for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Project details – Focus on reducing diesel emissions

At this time, approximately 2,700 diesel switchers are still in use in Germany. Many of these were built before the year 1972, and without emission regulations. This leads to a negative impact on air quality, especially at the locations where they are used.

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has taken up this challenge with the preliminary study conducted by duisport, which is supported by progres.nrw – program area Low-Emission Mobility, with the objective of studying the long-term and full-scale conversion to hydrogen-operated locomotives. Besides studying the feasibility of this step, the study will also analyze the requirements and possible solutions that must be considered for retrofitting or new builds. The study must also determine whether existing vehicles should be converted or whether new vehicles would be a preferable option.

Alexander Garbar, Deputy Head of Corporate Development and Strategy at duisport: “The official funding commitment forms the starting point for a unique study in a complex application field. Given its practical relevance, we (the Port of Duisburg) can make a major contribution towards achieving the climate protection targets. The insights that are gained would also be made available to other ports and terminals. It is a powerful signal for the development of the entire mobility industry and the commitment of those involved in the project.”

At duisport, sustainability is part of the corporate mission for all business divisions, projects and activities. As a result, duisport combines sustainability with technical innovations, ecological transportation chains and the efficient use of space, and is actively engaged in numerous promotional projects to ensure further progress.