Deutsche Post tests solar-powered ship for parcel shipping in Germany

Deutsche Post AG (ETR:DPW), operating as Deutsche Post DHL, is testing the transportation of parcels on the Spree river in Berlin with a solar-powered ship as part of a pilot project which is the first of its kind in Germany.

The vessel will transport hundreds of shipments daily from the southern port of Spandau to the western port, without causing any carbon dioxide emissions, Deutsche Post said on Thursday.

The electrically-powered ship is 10.50 m long and 2.50 m wide. It is equipped with solar panels on its roof and a battery to store power for sunless days. The solar system is capable of generating enough electricity to power the ship and meet the onboard electricity needs.

The logistics company is partnering with Berlin-based port operator BEHALA and shipping company Solarwaterworld AG on the project.

The solar ship supports Deutsche Post DHL's green sustainability strategy. The group already has a delivery fleet of around 1,000 electric vehicles and more than 1,700 electric cargo bikes which ensures that letters and parcels are delivered in a carbon-neutral manner to almost half of Berlin’s districts. In Germany alone, Deutsche Post is investing EUR 600 million (USD 591.6m) in electric mobility and innovative delivery solutions this year.

In case of positive results from the test operation of the solar ship, Deutsche Post DHL will consider adding more solar ships to its fleet and expanding their route to include other districts.

(EUR 1 = USD 0.986)

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