Hamburg, June 3, 2025 – Aiming to forge new alliances and creating a space for commitment and vision to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the second Hamburg Sustainability conference called for innovators and political decision makers – and over 1600 people followed.
Besides hydrogen power and other freight transport related sessions, the Greener Reefers project in partnership with the Kuehne Climate Center, put maritime refrigeration decarbonization in the spotlight.
The high-level event emphasised the importance of scaling up low-impact, environmentally friendly and safe natural refrigerants, and forging strong public–private partnerships.
High-Level Panel: Technology Meets Cooperation
Moderated by Mark Major (Kuehne Climate Center) the session brought together voices from policy, development cooperation, and industry to explore the shared goal of climate-friendly maritime cooling. Especially the role of skilled technicians in ports and terminals being able to handle flammable refrigerants and maintain reefers with this new technology is key for the technological transformation. Therefore, the commitment and statements by Ms. Mbalenhle Golding, acting CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) created the push which is needed in the shipping industry:
“The shift to climate-friendly cooling brings new opportunities – for our people, for innovation, and for just and equitable transition in the Global South.”
And this is just one part of the puzzle. Besides training for the technicians, enhancing safety standards for vessels, freight logistic partners, shipping lines and ports are another building block which the project is developing in close partnership with the public and private sector. Thermo King by Trane Technologies as partner in the project highlighted this aspect, as shared by Didier Beaugé, Vice President of Engineering & Technology, Thermo King:
"To support natural refrigerant technologies, the sector must prioritize comprehensive training, robust maintenance protocols, and stringent safety standards. This commitment ensures efficiency, safety, and compliance, driving us towards a sustainable future."
You can check out the full 45 minutes session here: High-level panel “Revolutionizing with Greener Reefer: Scaling Low-Emission Reefer Solutions” HSC 25 (opens in a new window)
From Dialogue to Action
The Greener Reefers project is a clear example of how public–private collaboration can turn ambition into action. By developing a proof of concept for a revolutionary R290 (propane) refrigerated container, the project is helping to reshape the maritime cold chain. Key activities include:
• Capacity-building through targeted technical training
• Development of a prototype reefer unit operating with R290
• Design and rollout of a new technician curriculum to support workforce development in South Africa
These efforts reflect growing momentum within the project and the Greener Reefer Transition Alliance as platform for gathering innovators and critical voices, and signaling the shift from awareness to implementation.
What’s Next
Building on its visibility at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, the Greener Reefer Transition Alliance will continue to expand its outreach and impact through the following activities:
• A delegation visit to intermodal and port facilities in Barcelona
• Participation in Fruit Attraction 2025 in Madrid to engage with key actors from the global fresh produce sector
• Continued engagement within the IMO process to support policy development on the safe handling of natural refrigerants
The Alliance was founded in the margins of the COP 28 in Dubai, 2023, by the Kuehne Climate Center (opens in a new window) and the GIZ project Greener Reefers. (opens in a new window) The alliance aims to bring together like-minded stakeholders in the shipping industry for transforming this sector using safe, climate-and environmental friendly refrigerants to lower the carbon footprint of maritime freight.
Proklima’s Strategic Role
As part of the GIZ Proklima cluster, the Greener Reefers project brings critical strengths to the table in international dialogue, technical assistance, and policy coordination. It exemplifies how development cooperation can catalyze just and scalable climate solutions. Building upon over 30 years of experience supporting partner countries to comply with the Montreal Protocol, the Greener Reefers project and the Greener Reefer Transition Alliance pathing the way for a sustainable, and environmental-friendly maritime freight solution. The Greener Reefers project is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety through the International Climate Initiative.
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High-level panel “Revolutionizing with Greener Reefer: Scaling Low-Emission Reefer Solutions” HSC 25