Hinicio Outlines Recommendations to Support Ports in Latin America and the Caribbean in Advancing the Hydrogen Economy

Hinicio, a Belgium-based consulting firm specializing in hydrogen and its derivatives, has outlined a series of recommendations aimed at supporting ports in Latin America and the Caribbean to play a central role in climate action and in advancing the hydrogen economy across the region.

At a hydrogen event in Colombia, Pilar Henríquez, Manager at Hinicio and Leader of the Sustainable Transport Area, explored the role of ports as hydrogen hubs and their potential to accelerate the decarbonization of multimodal logistics chains. As disclosed, Henríquez discussed the main challenges and opportunities ports are facing as they strive to position themselves as sustainable energy hubs.

Logistics and the movement of goods pose a major challenge in the fight against climate change, particularly due to the reliance on transport modes that are difficult to decarbonize. Currently, global maritime transport is said to emit over 700 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year, and according to Hinicio, emissions from maritime transport are projected to increase by 16% between 2018 and 2030, and by up to 50% by 2050, without decisive action.

In this context, and as hydrogen derivative export projects gain momentum, ports have the potential to play a key role as hydrogen hubs, Hinicio said, adding that they can become sustainable energy centers, driving the transition toward lower-carbon logistics chains. This includes supplying clean energy to various players in the logistics sector, enabling the decarbonization of ships, freight trucks, port equipment operations, and personnel transport.

Recommendations for Ports in Latin America and the Caribbean

• Establishing a long-term strategic vision with clear objectives, a well-defined roadmap, and a strong commitment to climate action.
• Aligning port strategies with regulatory frameworks and sectoral policies, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), alternative fuel roadmaps, and international regulations.
• Fostering public-private partnerships to support early-stage pilot projects, such as retrofitting port logistics equipment.
• Preparing for the supply of alternative fuels for the maritime industry by defining a clear position on the potential development of infrastructure for bunkering ammonia, methanol, and other alternative fuels.

In recent years, the maritime and clean fuels industry has been turning its focus to the Global South, including Latin America and the Caribbean. Implementing green shipping corridors could supply green fuels to developed countries in the Global North.

Notable recent activities include agreements to support Chile’s renewable hydrogen industry and the establishment of a green shipping corridor between Brazil and Norway to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.