DUISBURG, Germany – Rolls-Royce and duisport have successfully commissioned a world-first CO2-neutral and self-sufficient hydrogen energy system at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal, Europe’s largest inland container port. This groundbreaking initiative, operational as of July 11, 2025, marks a significant advancement in green logistics, demonstrating a viable pathway for decarbonizing critical infrastructure that handles over four million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) annually.

The innovative microgrid system integrates a 1.3 MWp photovoltaic (PV) array, an MTU EnergyPack battery storage unit, and hydrogen-powered MTU fuel cells alongside combined heat and power (CHP) units. These CHP units, featuring Rolls-Royce’s MTU Series 4000 engines, are specifically designed to operate on 100 percent hydrogen, generating both electricity and usable heat. This comprehensive setup ensures continuous, carbon-neutral power supply for the terminal’s cranes, shore power facilities, and charging infrastructure, significantly reducing reliance on the conventional grid.

Dr. Jörg Stratmann, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, emphasized the transformative impact, stating, “The launch of this carbon-neutral energy system at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal is a big step toward a more climate-friendly, resilient energy supply. Together with our partner duisport, we're showing how scalable technologies from Rolls-Royce can really help transform critical infrastructure.” This project, known as Enerport II, receives funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, underscoring its strategic national importance.

Unlike many port electrification efforts that rely solely on grid power, Duisburg’s approach leverages a localized microgrid, providing enhanced energy security and independence. Alexander Garbar, Head of Corporate Development at duisport, affirmed, “Our microgrid is running reliably and shows that it is possible to supply such a large port terminal completely independently with green energy.” The partners are also exploring the potential to extend this hydrogen-powered network to surrounding communities, further expanding its environmental and economic benefits.

Each 12-cylinder MTU Series 4000 engine deployed provides 1 megawatt (MW) of output, showcasing the immediate applicability of hydrogen combustion technology. Rolls-Royce is already targeting future CHP units with outputs up to 2.5 MW, matching current natural gas equivalents, to facilitate broader adoption. Michael Stipa, Vice President for Business Development and Product Management for Stationary Energy Solutions at Rolls-Royce, highlighted the broader ambition: “As soon as sufficient green hydrogen is available, MTU gas engines, such as those in Duisburg, can also make a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.” This project sets a precedent for sustainable port operations globally, reinforcing duisport’s competitive advantage and commitment to future-proofing its role in international logistics.