Barges with e-engines

Since 2025, we have had three innovative inland vessels with electric motors in operation. They can obtain their energy from batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, among other sources. This technology gives us the opportunity to significantly reduce the emissions from our inland shipping transport in the future. We will begin with a thorough test phase. If the inland vessels meet the required specifications and can be integrated smoothly into our operations, we will start converting our inland shipping fleet over the next few years. In addition to the new propulsion system, our inland vessels will also be adapted for low-water conditions.

Scaling up e-trucks

Since 2019, we have been investing in battery-electric trucks and the necessary infrastructure. With around 90 vehicles currently in our fleet, e-trucks are available at every location, and we are continuously expanding our electric container transport services. When powered by renewable electricity, our e-trucks generate up to 96% fewer CO₂e emissions than a diesel truck.* We are also supporting the field trial of overhead-catenary hybrid trucks and consider this technology highly promising.

*Maximum achievable emissions reduction in 2025 compared with diesel trucks through the use of e-trucks. Calculation in accordance with DIN EN 16258 and the GLEC Framework (well-to-wheel, market-based calculation).

A high-performance charging infrastructure network for e-trucks

An important element on our path towards lower-emission transport is the development of our own charging infrastructure network. With 90 charging points, each delivering 250 kW, we are creating the conditions needed to deploy our e-trucks in container transport. This enables us to use our e-trucks flexibly for local transport at numerous locations across the Contargo network.

RhineCleanUp

Every year, up to 23 million tonnes of plastic enter the world's oceans*, much of it via rivers, as alarming figure. With great commitment and our colourful container, which travels to public awareness events, we support the RhineCleanUp initiative. Through its litter-picking campaigns, the initiative clears waste from the banks of the Rhine and its tributaries. The aim is to raise awareness that litter should not be carelessly discarded and, better still, should be avoided in the first place.

→ https://www.unep.org/topics/ocean-seas-and-coasts/ecosystem-degradation-pollution/plastic-pollution-marine-litter

Promoting health

The well-being of our employees is an important factor when it comes to good performance. And sometimes motivation requires a little nudge: For example, our annual health bonus, a 75% subsidy for gym membership, our JobRad bike leasing scheme and the employee competition "CONTARGO gets on its bicycle". Our occupational health service at the industrial park itself also helps employees to safeguard their health through free vaccinations, health checks and thorough preventive check-ups at the company site. And our allowance for glasses required for work ensures a clear perspective for all.

Best practices

Appreciation for our employees is a focal issue at all of our sites. However, exactly how this is implemented through actions and processes differs from site to site and from company to company. Contargo's Frankfurt-Höchst industrial park is a great example of what appreciation can look like. The team is motivated and thanked for its valuable work through a range of exemplary benefits and offers.