Powering Europe’s Ports: How Hydrogen is Transforming Inland Port Operations

The European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) has solidified its stance on hydrogen development in inland ports, recognizing their pivotal role in Europe’s green energy transition.

Hydrogen has been identified as a key energy carrier for the future, necessitating a transformation of the logistics and energy network across the continent.

In collaboration with thinkport VIENNA, EFIP conducted a series of workshops throughout 2023, focusing on the implementation of hydrogen in inland ports. Experts from various fields explored the different aspects of hydrogen development in these ports, culminating in a final workshop in April.

The recently released Position Paper, titled “Making Hydrogen a Success for Inland Ports,” emphasizes the importance of inland ports in driving Europe’s hydrogen transition. As multimodal hubs, inland ports are well-positioned to facilitate the adoption of sustainable hydrogen technologies, decarbonize industries and transportation, and spur economic growth and job creation.

By integrating sustainable hydrogen technologies, inland ports can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. They have the potential to serve as local suppliers and distribution centers within the hydrogen supply network, supporting the establishment of hydrogen valleys and accelerating the uptake of hydrogen technologies.

The Position Paper identifies various challenges hindering the deployment of sustainable hydrogen solutions in inland ports. These include infrastructure limitations, financial obstacles, regulatory uncertainties, permitting procedures, and scalability issues. To address these challenges, EFIP puts forth recommendations such as establishing a coherent legal framework, developing a comprehensive hydrogen deployment strategy, fostering public-private partnerships, ensuring reliable avenues of investment, and promoting innovative solutions.

EFIP represents nearly 200 inland ports and port authorities across 17 countries in the European Union, Switzerland, Serbia, and Ukraine. As enablers of green logistics, inland ports actively support low- and zero-emission transportation by investing in the necessary infrastructure.