400 Million Euros for Climate-Neutral Shipping and Ports

The German government has announced a significant investment aimed at transforming the maritime sector into a climate-friendly industry. Over the next four years, an additional 400 million euros will be allocated from the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) to support the modernization of shipping and ports.

During a recent visit to the Port of Duisburg, Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder highlighted the importance of this funding. The financial resources will be utilized for various initiatives, including the establishment of shore power facilities and refueling stations for alternative fuels, as well as developing waterways for low-emission vessels. Additionally, the initiative seeks to promote the shift of urban freight transport to water routes.

The ministry indicated that specific details regarding the funding opportunities are currently being developed, with plans to present them later in the year.

Christoph Ploß, the federal government's coordinator for maritime economy and tourism, noted that the funds generated through the integration of maritime transport into the EU emissions trading system would contribute to the modernization of the maritime sector.

Ploß further emphasized that the five coastal states--Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern--would receive enhanced support, benefiting their respective seaports significantly. Projects related to shipping and inland ports are also expected to gain from these additional funds, underscoring the government's commitment to prioritizing ports and shipping.

The German Shipowners' Association (VDR) welcomed the announcement, stressing the necessity for not only new vessels but also the essential port infrastructure and the widespread availability of affordable green fuels. The VDR president underscored the need for emissions trading revenues to be reinvested back into the maritime sector.

Meanwhile, the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) has called for swift allocation of the funds to concrete projects aimed at advancing the structural transformation of ports, including initiatives in wind energy and low-emission port operations. The ZDS has also pointed out that this financing program may serve as an initial step, as the investment backlog in public port infrastructure across Germany is estimated to be around 18 billion euros. The association stressed that the urgent modernization of this critical infrastructure requires a sustainable long-term financing strategy.