German Sustainability Award

Recognition of environmental efforts: PORT OF KIEL receives the German Sustainability Award in Düsseldorf for its shore power strategy.

(Kiel, 8th December 2025) On Friday, PORT OF KIEL was honoured in Düsseldorf at the 18th German Sustainability Award for its shore power strategy in the transport infrastructure category. The seaport of Kiel is one of the pioneers in the implementation of shore power supply for seagoing vessels worldwide. With the completion of its shore power infrastructure in 2025, the port will have supply capacity for up to seven ships, thus meeting EU requirements (AFIR) five years ahead of schedule. The port has invested a total of €50 million in the facilities, supported by public funding from the state, the federal government and the EU.

The expert jury stated: ‘In an industry where ports are traditionally major emitters, the seaport of Kiel is successfully tackling these challenges in an exemplary manner with its BLUE PORT strategy: it is consistently investing in shore power supply, clean energy sources, electromobility and digital processes – thus paving the way for a more environmentally friendly transport infrastructure.’

A few weeks ago, the port had already received an award in Malmö, Sweden, for its shore power strategy. At the European Ferry Port Summit, the PORT OF KIEL was honoured as the Best Ferry Port.

In addition to providing shore power for seagoing vessels, the port is focusing on electrifying its service fleets, expanding its e-charging infrastructure for trucks, expanding its own photovoltaic systems and implementing a company-wide energy efficiency strategy. Between 2019 and 2024, the PORT OF KIEL was able to gradually reduce its own emissions. Thanks to shore power supply, 62 per cent of ship emissions were saved during the same period. The company's goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. ###