GASCADE puts 400 kilometers of hydrogen core network into operation
GASCADE Gastransport GmbH (GASCADE) has reached a decisive milestone in building the German hydrogen network: about 400 kilometers of existing natural gas pipelines have been successfully converted to transport hydrogen. The initial filling of the first pipeline sections as part of the program Flow – making hydrogen happen establishes a North-South axis from the Baltic Sea region to Saxony-Anhalt, forming a central part of the German hydrogen core network. The hydrogen infrastructure is now available to the market and thus provides the basis for a successful hydrogen ramp-up.
This internationally unique project demonstrates how existing infrastructure can be quickly and cost-effectively transformed for hydrogen transport. GASCADE thereby creates planning security for the hydrogen ramp-up and makes a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in German industry. Managing Director Ulrich Benterbusch emphasizes the technical dimension and resulting opportunities: “With the successful conversion of 400 kilometers of pipeline, we reliably provide large-scale and central hydrogen infrastructure. Converting existing natural gas pipelines with a diameter of 1.4 meters to hydrogen is a technical pioneering achievement. This project is a strong signal for the German hydrogen economy and the industrial location of Eastern Germany.”
Managing Director Christoph von dem Bussche highlights the potential and the European perspective: Flow – making hydrogen happen is more than a technical project. It is a promise for the future. In 2025 we are creating the conditions to receive hydrogen from the European Baltic Sea region, international hydrogen imports via the port of Rostock, as well as green hydrogen produced on the Baltic coast – especially at the Lubmin site. From the get-go, we are considering the connection to our European neighbors. Because only together can we succeed in building a strong cross-border hydrogen economy.”
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 11 Dec
Announcements are published as a service to readers. The sender is responsible for all content. Announcements for publication can be submitted to announcements@thehanseatic.com.
JENSEN North America, a subsidiary of the JENSEN-GROUP, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the business of G.A. Braun. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the growth strategy of the JENSEN-GROUP, expanding its manufacturing footprint, product portfolio, and service network across North America.
Founded in Syracuse, New York, G.A. Braun is a respected supplier with a well-established brand in the laundry equipment market in North America. The acquisition reflects JENSEN-GROUP’s strong commitment to the North American market and its long-term strategy to strengthen local operations and manufacturing capabilities.
With this acquisition, JENSEN gains access to Braun’s state-of-the-art production facility with a strong reputation and a loyal customer base. Both brands will continue to co-exist, building on their respective legacy and customer relationships. This approach allows both JENSEN and Braun to preserve what makes each brand unique, while joining forces to deliver even greater value, innovation, and support to customers across North America.
Read full announcement (external link)
A new batch has started their journey in the Tehnopol AI Accelerator – nine startups with a shared goal: to develop AI-based products and services that increase their competitiveness and provide real added value to society.
The accelerator program supports companies with a dedicated training series focused on the practical aspects of implementing artificial intelligence. In addition, teams work with mentors and experts who assist them in both technical development and business model refinement. The program concludes with a demo day, where teams can present their solutions to experts and potential follow-on investors.
The three teams with the greatest business potential will receive a development grant of €10,000.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 8 Dec
Port of Helsinki Ltd published its first sustainability report based on the VSME-standard on December 4, 2025. The comprahensive voluntary report covers Port of Helsinki Lts’s operations in 2024. Standardised reporting improves the comparability of the operations of participating companies.
“We have long had ambitious sustainability commitments and targets in place, for example regarding carbon emissions, and have reported on them annually in accordance with our own practices. However, we are now adopting a new way of presenting existing information in accordance with the VSME standard,” says Head of Sustainability & HSEQ Andreas Slotte from the Port of Helsinki.
The Port of Helsinki’s operations are under pressure due to the growing expectations of owners, customers and e.g. ship passengers regarding responsible and sustainable operation. At the same time, legal requirements are also becoming stricter.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 4 Dec
Port of Luleå now completes first phase of new land infrastructure – a major investment to handle increased traffic and cargo volumes. – We are meeting our customers’ needs for flexible and sustainable transport solutions, says Anders Dahl, CEO of Port of Luleå.
In May, work began to increase capacity and modernise Port of Luleå’s railway facility. It stretches from the Swedish Transport Administration’s tracks, located a few kilometers from the port, to the connection to Viktoriahamnen. At the terminal area, one track has now become three to handle larger cargo volumes and meet customer demands. This means the railway is ready to operate with axle loads of 32.5 tonnes – a unique capacity in Sweden.
– More and heavier trains can operate on our railway. The work we have done is a major and important part of the port’s infrastructure investments. We are now ready to receive larger cargo volumes, says Anders Dahl, CEO of Port of Luleå.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 4 Dec
The Fassmer Group is expanding its production capacities and establishing a new site in Stralsund. The company has leased facilities on the premises of the Volkswerft from the Hanseatic City of Stralsund. Operations are scheduled to begin in early 2026 with the construction of the new fisheries research vessel WALTHER HERWIG.
By setting up operations in Stralsund, Fassmer is strengthening its presence on the Baltic Sea while revitalizing the historic Volkswerft site. The region will regain an active maritime industry location – creating prospects for employment, value creation and regional cooperation.
Fassmer’s move into Stralsund marks the beginning of a strategic expansion. It reduces dependence on foreign supply chains, retains expertise within the country and contributes to the Federal Government’s security policy resilience.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 4 Dec
Vok Bikes and the Refactory of Renault Group announce new production agreement at the Flins plant to mass-produce Vok’s latest generation of four-wheeled e-cargo vehicles. Production of Vok’s bikes at Renault Group’s flagship hub for the circular economy will begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The new production line near Paris, France, enables Vok Bikes to scale production closer to key Western European markets, including the UK, France, and the Benelux region. This will reduce lead times, lower transport emissions, and speed up deployment for rapidly growing delivery fleets across London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rome, and other major urban centres.
Vok Bikes has created a new vehicle category where modified consumer e-bikes previously dominated. Built from the ground up for commercial use, Vok’s automotive-grade e-cargo vehicles offer a superior riding experience, stability, durability, and large cargo space. They are a reliable and scalable alternative to vans for large courier and logistics firms, as well as an ever-widening range of small businesses, including bakeries, cleaning services, gardeners, handymen, hotels, and campuses.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 4 Dec
The Estonian timber industry is getting more and more world-class companies on board, thanks to its sustainable forestry practices, strategic location, and strong infrastructure. This week, Ingka Investments, IKEA Group’s investment arm, has secured approval to purchase 153,000 hectares of Baltic forest land for €720M, reports ERR.
The Estonian Competition Authority has approved the acquisition of forest assets from Swedish-owned Södra Forest Estonia, which encompasses 18,000 hectares in Estonia and 135,000 hectares in Latvia.
The transaction is described as a strategic move by IKEA to strengthen control over its wood supply chain, while also committing to regional value creation. Tauno Kusma, forestland country manager at Ingka Investments Estonia, said the company aims to increase the proportion of wood processed locally to strengthen the Baltic forestry value chain.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 4 Dec
Stillstrom by Maersk and Port of Roenne have initiated a joint white paper to explore how Energy Island Bornholm could serve as a blueprint for integrating offshore wind energy with maritime electrification.
The new study, Energy Island Bornholm Powering Maritime Electrification, examines how renewable power production and future grid capacity can support charging solutions for electric ferries, cargo vessels and offshore service vessels – important steps to help shipowners invest in battery-powered fleets and advance the decarbonisation of European transport beyond road electrification.
Conventional cargo vessels passing Bornholm consume considerable amounts of fossil fuel every year. As battery technology continues to mature, battery-driven vessels are becoming increasingly viable. Stillstrom by Maersk, a marine technology leader delivering offshore power and charging solutions estimates that electrifying this segment would require around 17 TWh of new electricity consumption charging the battery-powered vessels replacing annually – in the range of – 3 million MT of marine gas oil (MGO) and roughly save €2 billion in oil imports.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 2 Dec
The Port of Oulu is preparing for significant green transition investments that will strengthen the region’s position as a hub for sustainable energy production and synthetic fuels.
The port’s updated master plan outlines developments through 2040, with the most notable changes driven by the emerging hydrogen economy. New port areas in Oritkari and the existing Vihreäsaari site will be zoned for chemical industry use. Key infrastructure upgrades include 400 kV substations and new quays to support future operations.
Earlier this year, French energy company Verso Energy secured a plot in Oritkari for a new plant dedicated to hydrogen and synthetic fuel production. The Port of Oulu’s TEN-T core network status and strong logistical connections were decisive factors in attracting the investment.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 3 Dec
As the heaviest-emitting sectors of industry aim for lower carbon footprints, attention is increasingly turning to the hydrogen economy. Northern Power 2026, taking place in Oulu this February, brings together the companies and experts building practical pathways toward carbon-neutral steel, aviation, and shipping.
Nordic Hydrogen Week gathers hydrogen technology users and developers in Oulu from 10–12 February 2026. The three-day programme, examining the hydrogen economy from multiple angles, culminates in the Northern Power Business Forum at Oulu Music Centre, where the entire hydrogen value chain comes together to develop actionable pathways toward decarbonization.
This year, Northern Power’s programme focuses particularly on the off-takers of hydrogen in the steel industry, maritime sector, and aviation – all themes that hold unique opportunities from a Finnish perspective.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 3 Dec