The ports of Lübeck and Trelleborg, the port operator LHG, and the ferry company TT-Line have partnered to make the crossing fossil fuel-free by 2040 at the latest.

The parties underlined in a press release:

The cooperation will not only serve as an innovative platform and exchange of information, but the aim of all partners is to decarbonize transport in the partners' direct sphere of influence as well as to influence the entire transport chain of the goods in question. Specific projects and activities are to be developed jointly, among other things.

The first initiative across the Lübeck-Trelleborg Green Shipping Corridor will see the set-up of additional onshore power supply connections in both seaports. At the same time, TT-Line will retrofit four of its ferries with cold ironing connectors.

Jörgen Nilsson, the Port of Trelleborg's CEO, commented:

The ports have a pioneering role together with the shipping companies, so that solutions are also being worked on together here.

Hannes Conzen, TT-Line's CEO, added:

This initiative is a logical necessity in times of climate targets. This approach must be extended to the entire transport chain in the future. The Port of Lübeck, the Lübeck-Trelleborg sea route, and the Port of Trelleborg are the first important steps in this direction.

Ortwin Harms, Managing Director of LHG, also shared:

From the LHG's point of view, it is important to actively promote this topic together with the direct partners in the transport chain. This is confirmed by the signing of this MoU [memorandum of understanding].

Guido Kaschel, Head of Division at the Lübeck Port Authority, summed up by saying:

By taking a holistic view, we are taking the right step towards climate-neutral transportation on the Baltic Sea. It also continues the city's activities for a transport turnaround in the hinterland through maritime transport.

Photo: Port of Lübeck