Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) will prepare the final business case for the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP), drawing on its experience in port operations and hydrogen logistics. The study will test the market and commercial potential for green ammonia production, storage, and export from the 220-hectare redevelopment site.
The CEP, supported by A$100 million in Federal Government funding, is regarded as Australia’s most advanced clean-energy value-chain project. It is designed to reduce around 660,000 tonnes of domestic and 1 million tonnes of export emissions annually through the export of green ammonia. The port, long known for coal exports, is now planning a low-carbon and more diverse energy future.
HPC’s task is to translate this ambition into a workable business plan that identifies viable markets, potential partners, and investment frameworks consistent with global hydrogen demand. The outcome will help position the Port of Newcastle as a key connection point in the international hydrogen supply chain.
“Developing a final business case that reflects stronger Australia-Europe energy links is essential to realising our clean-energy vision,” said Craig Carmody, CEO of Port of Newcastle.
“It builds on our partnerships, including the Port of Hamburg agreement for a green shipping corridor, and will give us the insights needed to attract investment and guide infrastructure funding through schemes like H2Global. This is about applying commercial discipline to achieve our Net Zero 2040 commitment.”
For HPC, the project connects its economic analysis and energy logistics work. The company has advised on numerous port and industrial developments, helping clients test the technical and financial feasibility of emerging energy infrastructure. Its growing involvement in hydrogen projects includes advising on how to integrate new fuels into transport and logistics networks.
“Port of Newcastle is writing the next chapter of its history, and we’re excited to contribute,” said Christina Prieser, Associate Partner at HPC.
“Our role is to help structure the business case in a way that balances ambition with commercial logic – looking at how green ammonia could fit into future transport flows, where market demand might emerge, and what it takes to move from potential to practical next steps.”
The CEP remains the only Australian clean-energy export project currently advancing both Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies, scheduled for completion in 2025. With established partnerships and clear target markets, the project aims to drive new employment, investment, and industrial diversification across Newcastle and the wider Hunter Region.
Through the development of a detailed and commercially sound business case, HPC’s work will help the Port of Newcastle guide investment decisions, manage risk, and plan infrastructure for what is expected to be Australia’s leading hub for clean-energy production and export.
