Hydrogen at ports: Unlocking the next era of port decarbonization and clean trade
February 25, 2026
Hydrogen offers zero-emissions performance to support cleaner port operations. Here’s how.
Did you know that ports move billions of tons of cargo each year? They are the backbone of global commerce. They transport things like raw materials and agricultural goods around the world to where they are needed.
Ports must be reliable. But they must also be sustainable. In fact, ports are among the most energy-intensive modes in the transportation system. They involve ships, drayage trucks, and cargo-handling equipment, which leads to a lot of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. So, how can we establish reliable port infrastructure while protecting the planet for future generations?
Right now, port operators face mounting pressure from regulators, tenants, and local communities to cut their carbon footprint. At the same time, hydrogen is emerging as a key pathway toward port decarbonization and zero-emission port operations.
Below, we’ll explore how we can use hydrogen at ports in a way that powers our port infrastructure in a more sustainable way.
When we design hydrogen systems that integrate port logistics and long-term terminal planning, we’re not just decarbonizing equipment—we’re building future-ready energy systems that make ports more resilient, competitive, and ready for the next generation of global trade.
Why hydrogen at ports?
Our energy infrastructure is evolving around us. And the International Maritime Organization has a target to reduce its carbon intensity by 40 percent by 2030. That target sends a clear signal to port operators around the world: Everyone must adapt. And hydrogen is part of the solution.
Batteries work well for certain port applications. But the variety of operational requirements across ports means no single technology can address all of the needs. This makes hydrogen at ports a viable solution for high-duty, energy-intensive use cases.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It also releases no GHGs upon combustion. That means it helps to reduce emissions that would otherwise come from traditional fossil fuels. Hydrogen also offers the scalability and resilience needed for complex port environments. Its adaptability across vessels, trucks, equipment, and power systems positions it as a cornerstone for future-ready ports and clean maritime fuels.
The industry is working toward port decarbonization. And hydrogen offers an option that can support heavy industrial use and maintain the economic engine of global trade. But how can we apply it to new and existing ports?
Hydrogen won’t replace all fuels. But it is a candidate to become a central pillar of sustainable port operations.
Key applications and global momentum for hydrogen at ports
We can already see hydrogen’s versatility in many key port applications. For example, maritime shipping is piloting programs for hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels—such as ammonia and methanol—for both ocean-going and short-sea vessels. These efforts are advancing the adoption of clean maritime fuels.
In many cases, hydrogen-powered equipment can replace gas or diesel units to haul cargo. This includes equipment like yard tractors, forklifts, cranes, and more. These machines help ports keep operations moving while lowering emissions.
Hydrogen is a strong option for drayage trucks, which haul shipping containers. These trucks can travel longer distances and refuel faster than many electric models, making them practical for busy port corridors.
So, ports are integrating hydrogen to support sustainability. Some are even building microgrids to improve reliability and support future growth.
Now, leading ports are moving from theory to practice. Here are some examples:
- In California, the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are piloting hydrogen trucks, rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, and hydrogen fueling. These efforts include the world’s first fully hydrogen-powered RTG crane.
- The Port of Rotterdam in Europe is developing large-scale hydrogen import/export infrastructure. It is also creating hydrogen bunkering facilities.
- Countries like Singapore, Japan, and Canada are advancing early stage hydrogen bunkering and demonstration projects.
It’s encouraging to see efforts in port decarbonization with hydrogen. Let’s look at some of the challenges and opportunities below.
Integrating hydrogen into existing systems and terminal master plans is essential for resilience and smooth fleet transitions.
Overcoming barriers and seizing opportunities for hydrogen at ports
Despite this positive momentum, there are challenges to scaling hydrogen at ports. There are many factors to consider when adding hydrogen as part of a port’s energy infrastructure.
Firstly, port operators must confirm a reliable and affordable fuel supply. As we said earlier, global trade depends on these ports operating without interruption. That means the hydrogen fuel supply must be trustworthy.
But ports must also address cost competitiveness. Right now, green hydrogen is still more expensive than diesel. Costs must come down to support the transition. Lastly, port operators must develop robust safety and regulatory frameworks. This will help to clarify the use of hydrogen at ports across the industry and pave the way for late adopters to follow.
It’s essential to integrate hydrogen into existing systems and terminal master plans. It will provide resilience and smooth fleet transitions. There are many benefits:
- Hydrogen adoption can deliver cleaner air for nearby neighborhoods
- It can help meet evolving emission targets
- It can provide diversified energy resources for operational resilience
Collaboration with shipping lines, energy companies, and technology providers will be key to unlocking these benefits.
The industry is working towards port decarbonization. Hydrogen offers an alternative that can support heavy industrial use.
The road ahead for hydrogen at ports
The transition to hydrogen-powered ports will unfold in stages. In the near term, demonstration projects for trucks, yard equipment, cranes, and microgrids will pave the way. The midterm will see the build-out of modular hydrogen fueling at ports and hydrogen bunkering infrastructure. The long-term vision? An integrated hydrogen ecosystem connecting production, import, export, and end use.
In the US, recent changes at the Department of Energy have paused or reduced some federal clean energy funding. These included hydrogen at ports. This creates some near-term uncertainty. But the long-term need for clean, resilient port infrastructure remains clear. Many in the industry are confident that, as priorities shift and the benefits of clean energy become undeniable, federal support will return stronger and more focused. In the meantime, ports continue to innovate. They are laying the groundwork for a future where hydrogen and other clean technologies play a central role in sustainable trade.
Hydrogen provides a pathway to port decarbonization. And it does so without compromising throughput or operational needs. When we design hydrogen systems that integrate port logistics and long-term terminal planning, we’re not just decarbonizing equipment—we’re building future-ready energy systems. And they will make ports more resilient, competitive, and ready for the next generation of global trade.
Hydrogen won’t replace all fuels. But it is a candidate to become a central pillar of sustainable port operations. For port operators, the opportunity lies not just in adopting a new fuel but in reshaping ports into clean energy hubs that serve both trade and community.
