Mabanaft, a leading independent and integrated energy company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fairplay Towage Group, one of Europe's largest tug shipping companies, to supply its new tugs with hydrogen in the port of Hamburg from 2025.

Fairplay Towage plans to integrate tugs that can run on hydrogen into their fleet in the port of Hamburg in the coming years. This underlines the increased focus on new technologies and more sustainable energy in shipping.

In order to enable the use of hydrogen-powered tugs, it is necessary to provide not only the hydrogen but also the appropriate infrastructure for bunkering. The Mabanaft Group, as a supplier of marine fuels and operator of tank terminals in the port of Hamburg, intends to supplement its range of marine fuels with hydrogen and also use the Hamburg tank terminals in order to be able to supply Fairplay Towage with hydrogen.

Hydrogen is considered one of the keys to decarbonizing shipping as it offers a zero-emission alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

“The agreement with Fairplay Towage is an important step towards achieving climate-neutral shipping in the Port of Hamburg and we are proud to work together to decarbonize the industry,” says Volker Ebeling, Senior Vice President New Energy, Supply & Infrastructure at Mabanaft.

The MoU between Mabanaft and Fairplay Towage marks the start of a long-term strategic cooperation. The agreement stipulates that Mabanaft will cover Fairplay Towage's hydrogen needs in the port of Hamburg, ensuring quality, reliability and the highest level of safety.

In November 2022, Mabanaft took the first step towards building New Energy Gate, a terminal for sustainable hydrogen products, which makes it possible for Hamburg to import large amounts of climate-friendly energy by announcing that it wanted to build an ammonia import terminal in the port of Hamburg.

The Mabanaft Group is a leading independent and integrated energy company that offers its customers innovative energy solutions in the transport, heating, industrial and agricultural sectors. The Group is active in the import, distribution and marketing of petroleum products, natural gas liquids, chemicals and biofuels, supporting its customers in the transition to cleaner fuels by offering alternative long-term solutions.

Source:Port of Hamburg