Mabanaft and Fairplay Towage Sign MoU to Provide Hydrogen Fuel to Tugboats in the Port of Hamburg

Mabanaft, a prominent independent and integrated energy company, has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fairplay Towage Group, one of Europe's largest and well-respected tugboat operators. This partnership is aimed at supplying hydrogen to Fairplay Towage's new fleet of tugboats operating in the Port of Hamburg, a move expected to take effect by 2025.

Fairplay Towage, in the coming years, has ambitious plans to enhance its tugboat fleet in the Port of Hamburg, equipping these vessels to run on hydrogen. This strategic decision underscores the maritime industry's increasing commitment to adopting innovative technologies and transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources. The focus on hydrogen as an alternative fuel for tugboats reflects the industry's shift towards decarbonization, striving to reduce emissions and environmental impact.

It is important to note that enabling the use of hydrogen-powered tugboats necessitates more than just the provision of hydrogen itself. The corresponding infrastructure for bunkering, or refueling, must be thoughtfully developed and integrated into the port's operations. The Mabanaft Group, a renowned supplier of marine fuels and operator of tank terminals within the Port of Hamburg, has set its sights on expanding its range of marine fuels to include hydrogen. To achieve this, Mabanaft plans to leverage its tank terminals within Hamburg to store and distribute hydrogen effectively, thereby ensuring a seamless and reliable supply of hydrogen to Fairplay Towage for their tugboat operations.

Volker Ebeling, Senior Vice President of New Energy, Supply & Infrastructure at Mabanaft, expressed the significance of this partnership and the broader initiative to decarbonize the shipping industry in the Port of Hamburg.

The MoU between Mabanaft and Fairplay Towage represents the inception of a long-term strategic collaboration. As part of this agreement, Mabanaft will assume responsibility for supplying Fairplay Towage with the hydrogen required for their tugboat operations in the Port of Hamburg. This commitment underscores Mabanaft's dedication to deliver quality, reliability, and the highest standards of safety in the provision of hydrogen, thereby ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of Fairplay Towage's hydrogen-powered tugboats.

In November 2022, Mabanaft had revealed its plans to establish an ammonia import terminal within the Port of Hamburg, a development that marks the initial phase in the creation of New Energy Gate. New Energy Gate represents a terminal designed to facilitate the import of substantial quantities of climate-friendly energy, thus positioning Hamburg as a hub for sustainable hydrogen products. This forward-looking initiative aligns with the broader goal of transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, further cementing the Port of Hamburg's role as a pioneer in the adoption of innovative and eco-friendly solutions.