HHLA Expands Fleet of Electric Vehicles to 64

1 September 2014

The largest fleet of electric vehicles at an European port keeps growing. Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is putting another seven vehicles into operation, which will replace those running on diesel or petrol. HHLA’s fleet of electric vehicles is powered exclusively by electricity from renewable sources.


Image by HHLA Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG

In addition to the electric vehicles already in use at all four port terminals in Hamburg, HHLA is now moving towards electric-powered vehicles in the pool of cars that are available to staff members at its headquarters for business trips. The first vehicles – four Renault Zoe’s – entered service on 1 September. Three electric Smarts are to follow on 8 September. Each vehicle will have its own charging station so that the cars can be used optimally.

Klaus-Dieter Peters, Chairman of HHLA’s Executive Board, explains: ‘Electric mobility is a key pillar for reducing our specific CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2020. We set this ambitious goal for ourselves in 2008. Our sustainability strategy has made it possible for us to already achieve a 24.9 percent reduction of our specific CO2 emissions by 2013. In addition, our electric vehicles also contribute to a significant reduction in noise pollution. This helps to improve the quality of the work of our staff. Reducing noise is particularly important in a port like Hamburg, which is very close to the city centre. By using electric cars, we are also benefiting from lower operating costs.’


Image by HHLA Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG

HHLA has deployed 64 electric cars, including those in the carpool. This makes it the largest fleet of electric vehicles in any European port. The cars have already covered a total of more than 150,000 kilometres without any emissions.

HHLA is also moving towards electric mobility in terminal operations. The flagship project at the Container Terminal Altenwerder, BESIC, moved into full swing in April 2014. Ten battery-operated heavy goods vehicles transport containers between ships and the yard at the highly automated handling facility. The aim is to charge the batteries of these container transporters when the grid has a surplus of renewable energy in northern Germany. This makes an important contribution to Germany’s energy transition.

HHLA Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG