HHLA Pure

METRANS ADDITIONAL SOLUTIONS

Verified CO₂ Footprint Transport Chains from Port to Hinterland

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) and METRANS are intensifying their efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions and use resources more responsibly. With a target to achieve a significantly lower carbon footprint across the Group by 2040, HHLA and METRANS are pursuing a comprehensive sustainability strategy under the “Balanced Logistics” brand. This reflects our commitment to long-term economic success while also upholding our social and ecological responsibilities.

We have developed HHLA Pure, a product based on verified carbon performance, designed to significantly reduce the transport-related CO₂ footprint from port operations into the European hinterland. It allows our clients to leverage Hamburg’s position as the leading European rail port while using METRANS’ efficient intermodal rail network.

METRANS operates energy-efficient electric trains and lightweight flat wagons, increasing load capacity without extending train length. This enables you, our customers, to minimize the carbon footprint of your container transports, while remaining cost-efficient and competitive.

Following a successful pilot in 2019, the product was launched in 2020 with routes from/to Hamburg, later expanding to Bremerhaven and Koper.

Since 2021, we have powered our rail operations in Germany and Austria entirely with certified green electricity, reducing emissions by an additional 60%. Between 2021 and 2022, we transported more than 900,000 TEU annually with zero direct emissions from traction energy, with many forwarding agents and shipping lines now requesting certified carbon performance documentation.

As of September 1, 2023, our low-emission rail transport offering now includes Wilhelmshaven, Gdansk, Rotterdam, Trieste, and Rijeka. Inland terminals in Duisburg (Germany) and Indija (Serbia) have also been integrated into the HHLA Pure network.

In 2024, we extended our offer along the Silk Road corridor. Transport from Malaszewicze to all METRANS hinterland terminals—and vice versa—can now be handled with certified low-emission energy sources. We also began sourcing certified renewable energy for rail operations in the Netherlands.

Together with Enerparc, we have commissioned a state-of-the-art photovoltaic installation in northern Germany to supply part of our energy needs with solar power.

By mid-2025, we will complete our current CO₂ compensation programs and continue by investing in certified Gold Standard wind energy projects—ensuring that every tonne of residual emissions is matched with a credible financial climate contribution.

In 2025, we are also extending HHLA Pure to include all Istanbul destinations, further expanding our sustainable transport offer.

With HHLA Pure, METRANS provides clients with rail transport and handling services that come with documented CO₂ performance data—allowing them to make an accountable and measurable contribution to climate goals.